New York Mets Vs. Atlanta Braves: Live Game Thread!
Mar 20, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder B.J. Upton (2) is caught stealing as New York Mets left fielder Eric Young Jr. (22) applies the tag in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
We’re blessed to have another LIVE game on broadcast television today, as the New York Mets will travel to the Spring Training home of the Braves today, Champion’s Stadium, to take on the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 PM EST on Fox Sports South. For the second day in a row, we’re having another Live Thread during today’s match to discuss all things Braves’ baseball.
Just like yesterday, the game today features a lefty-righty contest, with the Mets putting lefty John Lannan on the mound, and the Braves bringing veteran righty Freddy Garcia to the bump.
Neither pitcher has performed particularly well so far this spring, and Lannan is coming off a 2013 season where he put up a dismal 7.71 ERA, but missed most of the season due to injury. Lannan was outrighted by the Philadelphia Phillies, and signed a minor league contract with the Mets. He’s now competing for a roster spot to replace Johan Santana who tore his shoulder capsule last year.
Garcia has much to prove himself. Despite stepping up well for the Braves last season, Freddy hasn’t performed nearly as well as hoped for the Braves this Spring. So far, through 4 games and a little over eleven innings pitched, Garcia has a 6.94 ERA and has struggled with command. With the rotation issues facing the Braves, it’s important for Garcia to pitch well. His future with the Braves rides on how well he can muster up and prove he’s worth something to the team.
Join Us For Our Live Thread Below
I don’t need to remind Braves fans of all the struggles the Braves have already faced this Spring. My grandmother used to say that it’s struggles that define you, and make you who you are. I’ve found that wisdom to be true, and our hope is that the Braves’ struggles will define them as well, and make them reach for more than anyone expects. If a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, that can be true of a baseball team as well!
This upcoming season is not too different than last year – in that most were picking the Nationals to easily claim the NL East. They’re saying the same thing year! While that may prove true, no one should underestimate the power of tough times to push a team to higher levels of performance.
Join us in our Live Thread below, and share your thoughts. We don’ t judge, and we love ALL opinions, so get into the mix with us today as the Braves Tomahawk Take it to the Mets!