Posts tagged ‘Andruw Jones’

The Braves over the past couple of decades have taken pride perhaps maybe more than any other professional club around the youth of their organization. It is no surprise that the Braves are now loaded again at a couple positions on the diamond. This year’s focus will be the outfield.

With the departure of Andruw Jones there is at the very least a backup role open for the Atlanta Braves outfield. Will Matt Diaz be able to handle the playing everyday? What happens if we have an injury? Be relieved that there are definitely some options out there; the future of the Braves outfield is in good hands. Possibly the hands of Jeff Francouer, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer, and Matt Esquivel, Gregor Blanco, all of whom are upcoming stars.

With all these players still struggling to make it into their mid-twenties, the Braves have to feel confident that they will have one of the best outfields in baseball soon. So who makes it and why? A few things always come into play other than just pure stats and estimated potential. In this case however, it is really does appear to be an even playing field. I think it will come down to experience in the minors and option years for the players. It is obvious that everyone is not going to make it on the big club with Atlanta. The guys that don’t may be involved in trades or have setbacks in the majors. If you looking for speed, Josh Anderson, Jordan Schafer, and Brandon Jones are good candidates. If you’re looking for power then Matt Esquivel or Brandon Jones has plenty of potential there. What it all ultimately may come down to be defense, though. I give my nod to Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer. Schafer is regarded as the best outfielder in the organization. Check out one reason why — his blazing speed (YouTube clip).

With his prowess and the others’ potential, I don’t think there will be a veteran signing in the outfield. Josh Anderson with both exceptional speed and major league experience is the going to more than likely make the team and we will see him in center field. The main battle will be between young stars in Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer. Jones has the experience but Schaffer has the better numbers (though at a different level). Brandon Jones has had some clutch hits in the minors and seems to really be putting it all together the last few seasons. Jordan Schafer is a speedster that can be multi dimensional at the plate. This will be extremely fun to watch this spring. Many fans of baseball think spring is boring after the starters get pulled, but this will give any true fan some inspiration to watch the game all the way through. The future depends on it!

Let me know who your pick is by e-mailing hosts@bravescast.com or via our call in line at 678-608-2721. Go Braves!

Everyone in Atlanta is pumped about the new trades that bring both Mark Texeria and Octovial Dotel to the Braves. For the average fans it seems great on the outside. We acquire a power and average hitting, proven switch-hitting gold glove first baseman and experienced arm in the bullpen who is capable of being a closer for most teams in baseball. It all looks good right?

Take a step back and ask yourself is there a down side to the trade. All trades have a dark side and this is no exception. The Braves gave up maybe the only average, power and switch-hitting catcher who can also play a secondary position in the majors. We also gave up a starting pitcher who is in his mid twenties and has shown previous signs of being a dominant pitcher in the majors. The Braves also gave up some guys in the farm system that is among the top prospects not only for the Braves but all of baseball.

The Braves have officially entered the “WIN NOW” era in Atlanta. Teams do it all the time. The marlins have won two World Series with this strategy. Do the Braves have enough to get them to the World Series? Are we still a starting pitcher short? We have had a door open up for us that we don’t get much in Atlanta. In a weeks time, we have went from being a pretty good team with some question marks and hales to fill to a team that is now the favorite to win the national league east and go on the world series. Some experts say we have now the best lineup in the National League. We have 10 quality starters in 8 everyday positions. We are the deepest, the youngest and maybe now the most motivated team in this year’s playoffs run.

The door is open and will be shutting after next season. Chipper and John Smoltz are getting older, their might not be any Andruw Jones, Edgar Renteria, or Tim Hudson or Bobby Cox, This in my eyes is really a make or break year for the Braves. The remainder of the season is going to be something special in Atlanta. Come be a part of the Bravescast. Your feelings are always welcome here. We are the only show for the fans and by the fans. Contact us anytime at hosts@bravescast.com