Atlanta Braves Monday morning musings: more Machado
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves returned home last night after a tough visit to the land of teams with deeper benches and better pitching that you’ve never heard of.
The Atlanta Braves played like a tired team over the last week. Most Braves get five days off but four must attend an event in Washington D.C. Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman, and right fielder Nick Markakis start while second sacker Ozzie Albies and starter Mike Foltynewicz made the squad as reserves.
Kyle Wright joined the U.S. squad for Sunday’s Futures Game as the Braves only selectee. Last year the two Braves prospects took part – Ronald Acuna and Mike Soroka – on the World Team.
Speaking of the Futures Game, how about playing the game on Monday so fans who watch their team play on Sunday get a chance to watch the young stars? It could replace the painfully boring testosterone-fest with real baseball.
The Home Run Derby proves major league hitters have the ability to hit batting practice pitches into the stands. In today’s game pitchers hit home runs in regular season games.
I know TV ratings drive the sweaty muscle spectacular. but surely there’s a better way to satiate their thirst for cheaply produced advertising income. Showing something actually relevant to baseball on a day devoted to the best in baseball makes more sense. Get on that now. please.
Atlanta Braves trade rumors Monday
Before I start this caveat: front-runners exist in the minds of pundits and reporters who must meet deadlines and fill air time.
Paraphrasing Jim Duquette from last week (Thursday or Friday, I’ve slept since then) on XM Radio’s Power Alley, the next phone call determines the front-runner. Alan’s Sunday post quoted the Baltimore Sun’s Eduardo Encina who listed seven teams who theoretically made offers for Manny Machado.
I’m sure he understood his source to say that or something that he felt meant that. Without picking the idea apart, I suggest remembering that such leaks generally result from a desire for information to hit the media. Be cynical when reading all such reports, particularly in July. Now back to your scheduled rumor review.