Atlanta Braves Morning Chop/Box: Relief… for now
Braves Sweep Opening Series in Miami for Second Straight Season: Is That Meaningful Going Forward?
It was ominous to think that the Braves might be in the works for a managerial change just two weeks into the season, but we guessed on Friday that this could very well be the case, with today being the prime opportune time.
Alas – for all those who would like to see him hit the unemployment line – Fredi Gonzalez still has a job this morning… and likely for a bit longer. But what changed over the weekend to make this happen?
HITTING
- Freddie Freeman: 4-11, BB
- Nick Markakis: 5-12, BB
- Adonis Garcia: 3-12, with 3 RBI on Friday
- Jace Peterson: 2-5, BB – the big blow being that bases-loaded 3 RBI double on Sunday.
PITCHING
- Jhoulys Chacin: 4 hits over 5.1 innings
- Bullpen behind Bud Norris: 3.2 innings, no runs, 7 K, 2 walks
- Bullpen behind Williams Perez: 4.2 innings, no runs, 3K, 3 walks.
- Giancarlo Stanton: held to 2-13, 7K, 2 RBI, 1 BB
In addition, the Braves managed to beat up on mediocre pitching from the Marlins – either from the starter du jour or the bullpen. The “big hits” were cashed in this weekend – something that wasn’t happening against the better pitching exhibited by the Nationals and Cardinals.
In short: once the Dodgers and Mets come to town this week (starting on Tuesday), things are more likely to revert to the form of the previous week. With the Mets, however, their run-scoring has been on par with the Braves (37 runs vs. 42 for the Braves, who have played one more game). But hopefully this sweep will at least bolster confidence for the the next tasks ahead at Turner Field.
Here’s the Sunday box:
Next: Checking Up on Our Prospects
Weird fact: after starting 0-9, both the Twins and Braves now have 3-game win streaks… which rank as the longest current streaks in baseball.