Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop, Mallex Smith and Ronnier Mustelier, Rotation Look Ahead
By Jeff Schafer
Which young starters will stick?
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Many writers, fans, “experts” will raise the question this offseason about the Atlanta Braves outfielders going into 2017. My looming question will be our rotation. Our young arms are on their way, but I don’t think they will be ready for Opening Day 2017. So right now, we’re looking at Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz as the two names already slotted into our rotation. In my opinion Wisler and Blair will have to impress in Spring Training to receive a rotation job in Atlanta. The Braves will sign a few veteran pitchers this offseason like they’ve done the past two years and see which ones work out. Maybe we trade for a pitcher, maybe Coppy pulls off something, maybe we find a diamond in the rough. In any case, our rotation will be the item I keep my eye on these winter months.
"Though Wisler has been inconsistent over both of the past two seasons, there is still plenty to like about his potential. He says all of the right things, and his arsenal is certainly strong enough for him to be successful. The primary concerns about both Wisler and Blair focus on their mental toughness and the level of aggression they took to the mound on a consistent basis this year.If Blair grows into his big frame during the offseason and returns with the slider he suddenly found against the Tigers during this past season’s final weekend, he’ll definitely give Wisler some competition in the battle for the rotation’s final spot. But while both of these young hurlers still have time to develop, they can further motivate themselves this winter with the reminder that Sean Newcomb, Patrick Weigel and possibly Max Fried could be ready to join Atlanta’s rotation at some point next year."
Ultimate Standings: Players, coaching and ownership rank in triple digits
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Want to read something that will piss you off? Go to ESPN and read these Ultimate Standings. The Braves are one of the most prized franchises in all of sports. We’re one of the original organizations in the National League (Boston Red Stockings). We’ve had a few bad seasons and we get played like this?!? Atlanta is on the upswing in both baseball and the Falcons (might as well throw that in since they’re doing well). John Coppolella and the Braves front office is building a dynasty (I hope). We will be contending in 2017, we will be great in 2018 and we will be the NL East Champs for many consecutive years!
"Overall: 104Title track: 58Ownership: 113Coaching: 115Players: 104Fan relations: 109Affordability: 64Stadium experience: 99Bang for the buck: 85Change from last year: -22The Braves dropped 22 spots in these rankings, which is not surprising for the team spent most of 2016 hovering around “worst in baseball” status. But despite a disappointing season (and this triple-digit ranking), there are positive signs upon which to build as management ends the “tear down” phase and enters a transitional period."
Ronnier Mustelier impulsa a Tomateros de Culiacán a la victoria
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Yes, I see the below is in Spanish and you most likely can’t read it so let me translate it for you…Braves Ronnier Mustelier is raking in the Mexicana Fall League! Last night he went 3-5 with three RBI’s and a run scored. He hit his seventh double already and stole a base. He’s not the only Braves player in this league…you may recognize the name Mallex Smith. He’s getting some more work this season as he was out for most of the summer with a hand injury. Smith is batting only .118 with two stolen bags. He is scheduled to play with this team until right before Thanksgiving.
"Sencillos de Joey Meneses y Jorge Vázquez, y elevado de sacrificio de Mike Carp, se tradujeron en una tempranera ventaja para los Tomateros, que incluso incrementaron con una más en el segundo inning, producto de un doble de Ronnier Mustelier al jardín izquierdo.La respuesta albiazul llegó en la parte baja del tercer episodio con un largo sencillo al izquierdo que les permitió anotar al “Becerro” Aceves y a Zazueta. Jalisco se acercaba 4-2 en la pizarra. No obstante, Mustelier empujó a Irving Wilson y a Rico Noel a la registradora, para el 6-2."