Atlanta Braves News: The Afternoon Chop, Freddie Freeman The Leader, Closer Job
By Jeff Schafer
Freeman keeps growing as Braves leader
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: It’s amazing to look at the Braves’ opening day rosters over the last few years. The only consent name you’ll see is Freddie Freeman and then Julio Teheran in the rotation. Yes, the rumors about trading these two swirled around many times, but these guys are the Braves foundation. Many didn’t think the Braves would be competitive in 2017, but with these two and the additions they’ve made this offseason, the Braves will surprise folks this year. The rebuild is behind us!!
The Braves chose well in making Freeman their indispensable player while otherwise turning over the roster like a farmer tilling the soil. Beyond his production on the field, Freeman, still just 27, has evolved into the kind of smart, personable presence who sets just the right tone for a team. He has developed into a dependable point man for others to follow into the future.
For Freeman’s part, he didn’t seem interested in reporting to camp without first issuing a message that was the equivalent of a verbal bro-hug to every Braves fan.
“Optimism in this camp is off the charts right now,” Freeman announced. “A lot of people still aren’t picking us. I think we’re going to be right there in September playing meaningful baseball.”
Braves’ up-the-middle defense eyes noticeable improvement
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: If we have to wait just a little longer for the Ozzie-Dansby show, I’ll be okay with Phillips and Swanson in the middle of the infield. The trade that brought Phillips to Atlanta could be just another remarkable swap from Braves GM John Coppolella. We sent Cincinnati two arms that most likely weren’t in the Braves future plans for an All-Star player determined to come home and show everyone he can still play. We saw Matt Kemp rejuvenate his season after he was traded to Atlanta, hopefully we can see the same out of Phillips in 2017. Oh, BTW Braves have a game this week!
Two minutes into his first official appearance with the media as a member of the Atlanta Braves, Brandon Phillips cut a promo for himself and his new middle-infield partner, Dansby Swanson: “Web Gems coming to a theater near you in Atlanta.” The veteran second baseman might want to throw his new Gold Glove center fielder on the silver screen as well.
Ender Inciarte’s golden defensive performance masked one of baseball’s worst “up the middle” defenses — shortstop, second base, center field and catcher — in 2016. Fourteen different players cost the Braves runs, in terms of Fielding Bible’s defensive runs saved, at those four positions, a deficiency the team addressed internally with a healthy Inciarte in the everyday lineup and Swanson’s second-half promotion.
Next: Scouting Report on Braves OF Braxton Davidson
Can Jim Johnson hold down Braves closer role?
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The rotation has one question…the fifth start spot…but the bullpen could have many. With prospect A.J. Minter getting lots of attention early on in spring training, he could be in the bullpen sooner than we thought. Minter is a stud and if he could break camp with the Atlanta Braves it would be awesome. I’m not sure they would do that, he hasn’t pitched above Double-A and 2016 was his first professional season. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Braves in the 2nd round of the 2015 MLB draft out of Texas A&M. While we wait for Minter, the Braves have Vizcaino, Cabrera and Johnson all going after the closer job. Unless a horrible spring training, I think the Braves give the closer job to Johnson. I also wouldn’t rule out a trade before opening day with one of those guys. Closers are tough to come by, so maybe we should hold onto them unless injuries happen…or should I say when they happen.
Signed to a two-year extension on the final day of last season, Johnson followed that news with his 20th save of the season. It was the fifth in his final six appearances to wrap up a year in which he had a 3.06 ERA over 64 2/3 innings.
That he climbed into the closer role was surprising given that Arodys Vizcaino and Jason Grilli were given the first cracks at the job. Grilli blew two of his first three save opportunities, was moved out of the role and eventually traded to the Blue Jays, and while Vizcaino had the look of an All-Star, he was derailed by a right oblique strain and later right shoulder inflammation. In between those injuries, he posted a 23.63 ERA in four games and had a .429 batting average against.
Meanwhile, Johnson 18 saves and a 1.48 ERA from July 26 and overall had a .236 BAA, his best work in a full season since 2012 when he was an All-Star with the Orioles. The thing with Johnson, though, is while we’ve seen those highs, he also had a 4.74 ERA before that late-July push and the Braves have some intriguing arms that could challenge him for the closer role immediately — Vizcaino and Mauricio Cabrera — and down the line — A.J. Minter.