New Atlanta Braves Debut; April Sets The Tone
By Dan Horton
“You Can Put It On The Board … YES!”
Chip Carey said he’d only do it for new Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski once. Alright Chip, you had your fun, you can put it to bed now.
Seriously though, who had the Atlanta Braves’ backstop in their office pool as being the first Brave to homer this season? Who had Atlanta scoring a combined 16 runs in the series? Holding Miami to 3? Not too shabby of a start.
Other new Braves who had nice debuts?
Alberto Callaspo: In seven at bats is hitting .571 with one RBI, 1 BB, 1 run scored, and 4 hits.
Shelby Miller: He didn’t get the win in the series finale, but he pitched well enough to and deserved a better fate. Miller allowed no runs and posted a 1.20 WHIP.
Brandon Cunniff: What a great story for Cunniff. Cunniff earned the win in game three. He was solid in his opportunities and while posting an ERA of 0.00, his WHIP is at 0.37. How’s that for a MLB debut?
Jason Grilli: He isn’t Craig Kimbrel, but he still has what got him to the All-Star Game with the Pirates a couple years back. He was dominant and didn’t allow a run or hit in his two save opportunities and racked up 3 K’s.
Jace Peterson: It may not have looked like much, but Jace made his pressence felt in the field and on the bases. Jace is everything I hoped we’d get in a second basemen. He is going to do exceedingly well at 2B this season. I know he is a rookie, but I’m excited to keep watching him for the rest of the season and continue to develop!
Interesting First Month
Of the first 22 games in April, the Atlanta Braves play 18 of them within the division. Common? Yes. But this one is different. They see Miami again in less than a week! They start a 3-game set with the Mets tonight and see them again in about 10 days.
This is a newly reorganized clubhouse. A farm system full of fresh new faces. A 25-man roster with just as many new faces. This team has played three games together. Establishing an identity is important, to do it in the midst of a division heavy April, makes it that much more intriguing.
This month will be used to build relationships, develop a sense of identity, and set the tone for the rest of the year. Winning the division is goal number one. If Atlanta wants that to come to fruition, then a solid first month is key.
This is why I think getting out of the gate strong could be somewhat of a semi-important month. If the Braves want to prove to the fans that they can still compete, (while restructuring the farm/big club) then a winning April will be a giant step in the right direction.
Pennants aren’t won in April, but doing well in the division is always important. Will April be the tone setting month for this team? That’s yet to be determined. Having a solid first month is never a bad thing. Get ready folks and buckle up, it’s only game #3! 159 to go!
Do you think the April is key and sets the tone for the remainder of the year?