March 25, 2015
Although summer hasn’t officially started, it is right around the corner. That is a good thing because to me that means baseball. Yes, I am a huge football fan, but baseball was my first love.Warm summer evening sitting with my grandfather watching the Atlanta Braves are memories I want to recall back, but that’s all they are now, precious memories that I can think back on.
Now all grown up with a family of my own, married with 3 adorable little girls (I have the right to be bias), I want those same traditions with them. Living just minutes from SunTrust Park (change of stadium name to be determined at a later date), I enjoy taking them to the ballpark to see the team I adored watching growing up with my grandfather. My middle daughter turns five years old in June, and I have made it a tradition on her birthday or around her birthday depending if they are playing in town or not, to take my family to a home game. When she is older I would love for her and I to still go to the games even if they are playing at home or away.
With all this being said, regular season action begins this Thursday in the city of brotherly love. There’s a certain right fielder I am not going to mention because with his signing, the Phillies have already won the NL East and are playing in the World Series. So why even play this season. All the baseball experts have this on paper, but let the season play out on the field, and let the best team win.
Here is my outlook on the starting 8, given I would have not payed the $23 million, 1-year contract to injured 3B Josh Donaldson when you have a healthy upcoming younger Johan Camargo would did a fine job at 3rd last year. My final thought on this is Donaldson will start the season at 3rd, but it will be Camargo/Austin Riley to finish the year.Riley to me is the next Chipper at 3rd for the Atlanta Braves. He’s young and just needs time.
Here’s my starting 8:
-Eder Inciarte CF-Josh Donaldson/Johan Camargo/Austin Riley 3B (all three can hit in the 2 hole)-Freddie Freeman 1B-Ronald Acuna, Jr. LF-Nick Markakis RF-Brian McCann/Tyler Flowers C-Ozzie Albies 2B-Dansby Swanson SS-Pitcher Spot
The Braves lineup can be solid from top to bottom. My only concern going in to this season is the pitching. For some reason I like Kyle Wright and Bryce Wilson, I think they are going to surprise a lot of people. Sean Newcomb I’m concerned about and believe he will either end up in the bullpen or traded. He walks too many batters. I think when Touki Toussaint goes back to triple-A, he will get his pitches back with a little more experience and he will be the 5th starter again. Top 5, this is my starting rotation once all healthy:
-Mike Foltynewicz-Kevin Guasman-Kyle Wright-Bryse Wilson-Touki Toussaint
And as much as I want to talk about the bullpen, I don’t want too. I think it is still a complete mess. But new year, new expectations, and the bullpen might surprise me… I sure hope so.
But with all this being said, it’s baseball season folks!!! Can’t wait to hear the crack of the bat and the snap of the gloves. Lets go out and have a good season, and if nothing else just have fun.
Kirkley's Sports Korner 