Braves – Marlins Series Preview

(Source: Yardbarker.com)

The Braves travel to Florida to take on the home standing Marlins for a three game series. The Braves are 23-21 on the season and a half a game in front of the Marlins who are 23-22. The Fish have historically been a thorn in the side of the Braves and come into this game playing reasonably well winning six out of their last ten. Of course in the middle of that was the whole Hanley Ramirez mess that led to a benching and an apology.

The Braves roll into Florida winners of seven of their last ten and have been a part of a renaissance of sorts offensively this month. Those bats will look to stay hot while in sunny Florida.

Pitching Matchups:

Tuesday May 25th Kenshin Kawakami (0-6, 4.98) vs Anibal Sanchez (3-2, 3.28)

Wednesday May 26th Tommy Hanson (3-3, 4.18) vs Nate Robertson (4-4, 4.56)

Thursday May 27th Tim Hudson (5-1, 2.09) vs Rickey Nolasco (4-3, 4.50)

What to watch for:

I will be watching the starting pitching for the Braves. First can Kenshin Kawakami build on his last start which might have been his best of the season to date. He received a tough luck no decision.

Second, what the heck is wrong with Tommy Hanson? He has been banged around in his last two starts. Not sure if the problem is mental, physical, or just bad luck but the Reds tagged him for 8 earned in just 1.2 innings pitched last time out. The Braves really need Tommy Hanson to settle back in a groove.

Finally, it is foolish for Braves fans to expect Tim Hudson to continue his current pace as long as his strikeout to walk ratio remains what it is. However, you have to enjoy the hot streaks when they come and Hudson has been lights out of late. Also he is too much of a vet to just simply go in the tank. If the Braves keep scoring him runs he will win 15 games easily this season. That sparkling 2.09 ERA may be a little more difficult to hold on to though.

Other Perspective

To follow along from the Marlin’s perspective, be sure and check out Marlin Maniac which is one of the best baseball blogs on the FanSided Network.