Several quick thoughts about the Braves this morning:
This week the Braves avoied salary arbitration by renogotiating the contracts with Michael Bourn and Eric O’Flaherty. We are about a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and an offseason that seems like at one time there could be some major shake ups has been pretty quiet.
Sure, the Braves got rid of Lowe and didn’t resign Alex Gonzalez, but there wasn’t that big shake up. A few weeks ago, it was being reported that the Orioles were interested in dealing star outfielder Adam Jones for Jair Jurrjens and possibly Martin Prado. That fell through.
I am starting to be weary of Jurrjens. He is a great young pitcher, and I have been a fan since he was traded to the team. But after a while, you have to start being concerned about his durability. I am afraid the Braves need to cut bait with Jurrjens and try and get something while he still has value.
I think the return of Peter Moylan will help shore up the Braves’ bullpen, which was already strong. The problem with Kimbrel and Venters was not their ability but their over use. Having Moylan to come in to possibly spell them some nights is a big plus.
The problems that plauged the Braves last year may still be an issue again: the offense. Several players underperformed last season. Prado, Heyward and Uggla need to have a full season of consistent batting. I do like this lineup with the addition of Michael Bourn. Martin Prado just insn’t made to be a leadoff hitter. When the Braves offense is struggling, like it was most of last season, a leadoff batter like Bourn can really help a ballclub manufacture runs.
Anyway, excited about the upcoming season. I don’t think the Braves have retooled enough and the NL East has gotten tougher with Philly and Florida making big moves this offseason. The Braves were very close to being a really good team any, so maybe big additions weren’t necessary. The current players might be enough to get it done. It will be a challene in 2012, but at any rate, it won’t be long before Opening Day is here.
Corbindawg
I’m very excited about the upcoming season. Jurrjens started last season with such a bang, and we would have been able to stretch the season a little further if our bullpen was more healthy and more sound. Hanson’s mechanics are horrible, Jurrjens got banged up, and we were suddenly stretched thin. Here’s to hoping that the bullpen stays healthy and the bats stay alive.