Wake Me Up When The Braves’ September Ends
It’s been a fun ride, guys (if you’re a masochist), but it looks like you can close the books on the Braves in 2014. This series preview is going to differ a bit from most, because while most have been looking forward to what the opponent is bringing to the table over the next 3-4 games, what we have here is a preview to what is left for the Braves to try in 2014 to help prepare for the future.
Realistically, the only shot the Braves have is to win 10 out of their next 13 games, including a 4 game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s not impossible, but after dropping what should have been an easy series win against the worst team in the majors, you’ve got to be much more of an optimist than I to write that article. The Braves were of course swept and Fred did a nice job with tackling how this should be handled going forward.
Ideally, Fredi Gonzalez will be gone by the new year, and if he doesn’t use this opportunity to give the younger guys playing time, he should be let go immediately. Christian Bethancourt should continue to catch primarily after (and if) Evan Gattis returns from his illness this season. In the event of Gattis returning, Fredi should be willing to let him or Joey Terdoslavich log some left field innings, and perhaps a few first base ones as well, giving Freddie Freeman a much needed few days off. With trade rumors already swirling about Evan Gattis’ future with the Braves, we should be allowed a hard look at the offensive capabilities of the “catcher of the future” in Bethancourt.
Phil Gosselin should continue to start every day, as his strong 2014 across both the majors and AAA Gwinnett could lead to a much more expanded role with the club in 2015. Tommy La Stella has proved to be every bit as mediocre as I feared he would be, and dreadful offensive seasons from Chris Johnson and Andrelton Simmons give Goose 3 different positions to fill in at over this last 13 game stretch (Would you look at that? Leading off and starting at 2nd base tonight).
With the book all but closed and Gattis/Terdoslavich capable of playing left field, the BJ Upton Experiment has to be over. None was more willing to give BJ a chance than I, but Jason Heyward is prefect capable of handling center field at least just as dreadful as BJ has so far this year, with brother Justin sliding over to attempt to play right field again. BJ is likely to be part of some sort of bad contract swap this offseason, and maybe it’s time to start seriously considering Heyward as a center field option.
There are many things Fredi could tinker with going forward, although virtually none are likely to be very smart. Look forward to your fare share of Jose Constanza and Emilio Bonifacio starts Braves fans.
Game 1:
7:10 PM EST, Monday, September 15th
Probables: Stephen Strasburg (11-11, 3.46 ERA) vs Ervin Santana (14-8, 3.76 ERA)
Game 2:
7:10 PM EST, Tuesday, September 16th
Probables: Tanner Roark (13-10, 2.96 ERA) vs Aaron Harang (11-10, 3.72 ERA)
Game 3:
7:10 PM EST, Wednesday, September 17th
Probables: Gio Gonzalez (8-10, 3.79 ERA) vs Mike Minor (4-11, 4.74 ERA)