Healthy Donaldson could be force for Braves
When the Braves open Spring Training next week, their bid to defend their National League East crown will be significantly influenced by whether Josh Donaldson is capable of reestablishing himself as one of baseball’s elite superstars.
Braves unwilling to meet Marlins’ ask for J.T.
The Braves made it clear that, individually, each of their prospects was available in exchange for J.T. Realmuto. But they were not willing to provide the volume of prospects or the MLB-experienced asset sought by the Marlins, who ended an offseason-long saga by dealing the All-Star catcher to the Phillies on Thursday.
Newcomb’s value depends highly on ’19 growth
Sean Newcomb entered last June as an All-Star candidate and exited the regular season wondering if he had done enough to earn a spot on Atlanta’s postseason roster. The inconsistent nature of his first full Major League season enhances the difficulty of projecting how valuable he might be to the Braves from both an immediate […]
Markakis enjoys reaping rewards of dedication
Braves manager Brian Snitker joked that he could almost detect a smile as he shared a phone conversation with Nick Markakis after the stoic outfielder re-signed with the club in January. Snitker and others actually saw that smile on Tuesday morning, when Markakis reported to Spring Training to begin his fifth season with the Braves […]
After grief and injury, Gohara sets the bar high
Having seen what Luiz Gohara had done upon his introduction to the big leagues the previous September, Freddie Freeman told Alex Anthopoulos the big left-hander might immediately became an All-Star. Instead, it became a year of awakening for the young hurler, who remains fueled by last year’s disappointments.
Inciarte’s key to success in 2019? Consistency
It could be argued that Ender Inciarte stands as the X-factor in regard to the Braves’ bid to defend last year’s National League East crown and experience a successful postseason.
The Braves’ Spring Training battle to watch
The next five weeks will see lots of shuffling on Major League rosters. Here are the most intriguing positional battles on each of the 30 MLB clubs.
Braves notes: McCann, Soroka, Gohara
Brian McCann still laughs about what transpired as he learned the Braves were calling him up to the Majors during the 2005 season. He remembers being summoned to Brian Snitker’s room, where he found the then Double-A manager eating pizza while wearing nothing more than his underwear.
Prospects who should vie for a roster spot
The 30 prospects below all are getting very long looks this spring with an eye toward breaking camp with the parent club. Even if they start the year in the Minors, they all should get the chance to contribute at some point in the very near future.
Acuna set to smash records this season
Those hoping to watch Ronald Acuna Jr. extend last season’s incredible post-All-Star break production should remember that his pace would have equated to 45 homers and 33 stolen bases over 162 games.