The real games begin Thursday as the Braves open the season on the road at the Washington Nationals. Last year the Braves won 101 games and won the NL East, but missed the World Series as the Phillies advanced past the Braves to earn the World Series spot for the National League. The Nationals won 55 games and finished last in the East. But that was last year, it’s a new year where anything can happen. The last power ranking from MLB leading into Thursday’s games has the Braves at # 2.
2023 MLB Power Ranking
- Houston Astos
- Atlanta Braves
- New York Met
- San Diego Padres
- Los Angeles Dodgers
Olson will relax, play ball
Going into this year, all is forgotten about 1B Freddie Freeman. First baseman Matt Olson, hometown kid, has made Braves forget about #5. Last year was stressful for Olson. Coming into the season he wouldn’t tell you this, but he was trying to prove something to the fans that he was good as Freeman. Olson’s batting average struggles, but his power and his fielding still remained top notch. This year he has nothing to prove. He can go out there and just play ball.
Grissom to the Minors
Well, I will admit I was wrong. Shortstop Vaughn Grissom was touted to replace SS Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs), and I admitted he would. But between the offseason and spring training something went wrong. No one knows, or at least it hasn’t been publicly announced. Maybe he just isn’t ready and needs to work on his mechanics. His hitting isn’t the issue, it’s his fielding that is suspect. Maybe Manager Brian Snitker sent him to Triple-A Gwinnett to work on his fielding in hopes to recall him in a month or two.
Last Game of preseason
The preseason came to an end yesterday as the Braves beat the Red Sox 7-5. The Braves finished spring training 18-10. The team has looked very consistent this spring, a lot to look forward to this season. The starting nine that played in the game yesterday more than likely will be the lineup when the Braves face the Nationals tomorrow, opening day. There might be a few tweaks in the lineup with Eddie Rosario and Marcell Ozuna. Both will DH and play left field. Also, catchers Travis d’Arnaud and Sean Murphy will platoon and more than likely will get equal time behind the plate.
Opening Day Pitcher
Starting pitcher Maximus “Max” Fried will get the nob on the mound for opening day at the Washington Nationals. Fried has been the most consistent starting pitcher the last two seasons with an ERA of 3.04 in 2021, and 2.48 in 2022.
Braves roll out city connect uniforms
There are going to be haters and there are going to be fans that love the city connect uniforms. As for me, I love them. I have always liked the color scheme of the 70’s and 80’s. These uniforms bring those colors back again. The uniform is simple and represents what the city is all about for all Atlanta sports…”The A.”
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