Posts tagged ‘minor leagues’

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!

Each Thanksgiving brings each and every person something new to be thankful for every year. Baseball is no different. Each year the Braves evaluate where they are as an organization and which areas to improve upon as a club. With Thanksgiving coming up I though it would be nice to discuss what the Braves have to be thankful for this year. First and foremost is us, the fans. Although Atlanta fans get a bad wrap, we are usually loyal when it comes to the Braves. I guess a decade and a half if winning will do that for you. Since the Braves have been out of the playoffs the last few years it seems that fans are now more involved and outspoken, more than ever! The fans realize that there is a new crop of Braves that need the encouragement from the fans.

The Braves can be very thankful for the youth and ongoing talent in their minor league system. Every year the team produces several players that are ready to compete at the major league level and 2008 will be no different. Fans now know the names of recent minor-turned major league stars like Francouer and McCann. But what about Brandon Jones and Joey Devine and all the others that will play a significant part of the upcoming 2008 season? The Braves over the years (in my opinion) have produced the best young talent of any team in baseball. The hardest part is finding a place for all the talent to play.

The Braves cab definitely be thankful to have a great front office staff as well. Frank Wren’s loyalty paid off in landing a premier general manager job in the Majors. Having Hank Aaron as such a big part of the club for years now has been a big plus, too. The Braves can always be thankful for having the very best “player’s manger” in all of baseball in Bobby Cox. The all-time leader in ejections also happens to be one of the most respected managers in all of professional sports. He manages not only the on the field action well, but also everything else off the field that managers have to deal with.

Things are still good for the Braves organization and in a time to really pay tribute to things in your life to be thankful for I would like to say that I am thankful that I have somewhere to go for six months out of the year that I can take my son, friends, family, co workers, or anyone else and have a great time. The Braves are the ultimate in clean family entertainment and I will always be thankful to have them as a part of my life.

Robert’s Trivia Question of the Week

What pitcher lead the National League in losses in 1988?

Last Weeks Q & A

How many years has Bobby Cox managed the Braves? A:22