Early Discussion: Braves MVP

[zitothebrave]

While we still have a month of baseball to go I think it's a good time to start up the discussion as to who the team's MVP has been. To me there's really only 5 options. Simmons, Freddie, Jason, Minor and Kimbrel.

Obviously the last month of the season could change the debate but I'll state the cases for each. I left guys who've been key contributors off like Julio, Justin, Mac, and Johnson because for Julio he's been outclassed by Minor, and the other 3 guys primary asset is offense and Freddie has outhit them.

By any WAR metric Simmons is our most valuable player because of his defense. He doesn't bring much else to the team with poor offensive numbers and averagish in the bases. But he's been amazing with the glove and his glove has saved the 2 guys next to him many times. Not to mention picked up our staff. With arguably 2 of the worst defenders to his left and his right Simmons still puts up insane numbers. One could argue with better defenders (especially at 3B) he wouldn't have the same numbers because that 3B may eat into some of his great plays but regardless he's insane.

Freddie is out best hitter. Not lighting the world on fire but his 141 wRC+ is the best on the team by 8 points (Mac is second, Justin and Johnson are one point behind Mac) Power is a little low but he's spraying line drives everywhere. If he and Jason keep up their K% and BB% (hopefulyl improve on them as well) and add some power we'll have 2 great bats with them.

Jason the best combination of defense and offense we have. 118 wRC+ while not amazing is very good and his UZR of 12.7 is excellent. Heyward was on pace to have as good of a year as he had last year sans baserunning which would have made him if healthy a 5+ WAR player. But alas he's been hurt and now is done for the year potentially. The case that makes Heyward most interesting is our record with him vs without. Could be 100% coincidental, could not. Without him we're a below .500 team, with him we're like a .700 win team or something insane like that. I don't care to do the numbers but IIRC in the 95 games he's played we've won like 64 of them Again may be wrong on the exact numbers but the difference is staggering something like 60 wins when he starts (89 or 90 games IIRC) and then we have like 19 in the remaining 40ish. Again could be coincidental but watching the team play with Heyward vs without is night and day.

Minor is our best starting pitcher, while Julio has been awesome, Minor is his superior in nearly every way (ERA, FIP, xFIP, SIERA, tERA, you name it Minor is best) so if you believe our most valuable player is a pitcher (I don't) then it would be Minor

Kimbrel would be your vote if you believe his ability to shut down games is key. While not a demigod like last year, Kimbrel sports a great ERA, great FIP, and great xFIP. If you're a believer in save stats he's already saved as many games as last year and has the same number of blown saves. A few more saves without a blown save and he has better save numbers than last year.

Should make for an interesting discussion now and should really make for an interesting story to follow the rest of the way.

[yeezus]

I go Minor.

[thethe]

Maholm

[bravesfan247]

I would consider Chris Johnson part of this discussion as well.

[Julio3000]

You left out the most important criterion. Who has the most multi-hit games?

I'm sure it's Chris Johnson. WHY LOVEST THOU NOT LORD BABIP?

[57Brave]

Has anyone mentioned Justin's hot start that pretty much on it's own provide a cushion?
Gattis' first two months?
Of the 8 regulars 6 deserve mention


End of the day we aren't even talking about this or magic numbers without Kimbrel.
Been watching baseball for over 50 years and have never seen anyone dictate games / series the way this guy does.
Tonight Tito will manage the first inning with Kimbrell in mind

[Braves1976]

I wouldn't say we have just one MVP, though Simmons is the one player we can least afford to lose. A number of players have made huge contributions at key times during the season (including bench players).

[Nerfherders]

It's really been a team effort this year so it's tough to point at one player being the team MVP, but I would have to go with Freeman, and Simmons a close second. The bullpen as a whole has probably been better than ever. I can't even remember the last time anyone there blew a save. But that's not one guy.

[bravesnumberone]

Obviously a lot of different guys have contributed throughout the season. Heyward got moved to leadoff, found his groove and we took off. Now with him out, we're back to struggling again. Freddie has been solid all year, and Simmons is special on defense, while Minor has come into his own on the mound.

But to me, it's Kimbrel. Out of our 79 wins this year, he's saved 42 of them. I love Avilan and Walden, but Kimbrel is the one guy we absolutely cannot lose. It would be a death sentence for our WS hopes, honestly. While he isn't quite the machine he was last season, he's still above and beyond his contemporaries. While nothing is automatic, think about how much ease we feel with a lead in the ninth compared to other teams.

[yeezus]

Obviously a lot of different guys have contributed throughout the season. Heyward got moved to leadoff, found his groove and we took off. Now with him out, we're back to struggling again. Freddie has been solid all year, and Simmons is special on defense, while Minor has come into his own on the mound.

But to me, it's Kimbrel. Out of our 79 wins this year, he's saved 42 of them. I love Avilan and Walden, but Kimbrel is the one guy we absolutely cannot lose. It would be a death sentence for our WS hopes, honestly. While he isn't quite the machine he was last season, he's still above and beyond his contemporaries. While nothing is automatic, think about how much ease we feel with a lead in the ninth compared to other teams.

Kimbrel's pretty close to the machine he was last year. Same ERA, same amount of BS (so far). He just isn't k-ing as much guys.

[bravesnumberone]

Kimbrel's pretty close to the machine he was last year. Same ERA, same amount of BS (so far). He just isn't k-ing as much guys.

Yeah, don't get me wrong. Outside of those three blown saves in April/early May, he's been outstanding. Just further illustrates the case for him being the team's MVP.

[The Chosen One]

Fredi.

[57Brave]

Yeah, don't get me wrong. Outside of those three blown saves in April/early May, he's been outstanding. Just further illustrates the case for him being the team's MVP.

Surprised he isn't being mentioned for league MVP
/////

Gonzalez for NL Manager of the Year?

[Orphan Black]

Freddie Freeman...not sure how this is a discussion.

[chopdrew]

Freeman or Kimbrel. You could incude Justin in the discussion, too...

[bravesnumberone]

Surprised he isn't being mentioned for league MVP
/////

Gonzalez for NL Manager of the Year?

I've said a few times I like Fredi's ability to keep the team focused and on an even keel. His in-game decisions confuse me often, but he's better than most.

Assuming the Pirates don't completely fold, Hurdle has to be Manager of the Year.

[Tapate50]

Freeman or Kimbrel. You could incude Justin in the discussion, too...

Replace Justin with Minor and I think you nailed it.

[Heyward]

Freddie Freeman...not sure how this is a discussion.

This......

[57Brave]

I've said a few times I like Fredi's ability to keep the team focused and on an even keel. His in-game decisions confuse me often, but he's better than most.

Assuming the Pirates don't completely fold, Hurdle has to be Manager of the Year.

That too -- what about Davey Johnson?
couldn't help myself

[bravesnumberone]

It's hard not to separate into offense and pitching. It isn't any player hands down, though. Sorry, it just isn't.

[Krovahn]

For me, it is between Simmons, Kimbrel and Freddie... and that is still leaving out 2-3 worthy candidates. I honestly cannot choose just one guy, right now.

[Orphan Black]

Freddie Freeman

April .319/.407/.426
May .316/.366/.491
June .291/.392/.466
July .315/.396/.522
August .319/.388/.451

The guy has been the very definition of consistent. When the offense was struggling he was still hitting. Even Chris Johnson who has been great had down months in May and so far in August.

[stpeteirish]

really can't see how a closer can be an MVP. If you lose the first 8 innings he's of no value whatsoever. And you have to win the first 8 innings without him. That being said, Kimbrel is the best there is, I just don't think he "wins" games, and your 2nd best closer would only "lose" a few more games than CK.

[bravesnumberone]

If you lose the first eight innings, nobody is really of value because wins is what counts ultimately. Kimbrel has preserved many wins for us. I'd say Freddie and Kimbrel are Co-MVPs if anything. Hell, even our whole damn bullpen could be considered MVP.

[Bdawg2309]

avilan

[Enscheff]

Freddie Freeman

April .319/.407/.426
May .316/.366/.491
June .291/.392/.466
July .315/.396/.522
August .319/.388/.451

The guy has been the very definition of consistent. When the offense was struggling he was still hitting. Even Chris Johnson who has been great had down months in May and so far in August.

On a team that is maddeningly inconsistent, the value of his consistency is more valuable than any stat can show.

[Orphan Black]

avilan

A good argument could be made that Avilan has been more valuable that Kimbrel.

[nsacpi]

For me it is Simba. The metrics say so. And mine eyes have seen the glory of his magical swift glove.

[yeezus]

A good argument could be made that Avilan has been more valuable that Kimbrel.

Good? Not really.

[rico43]

Freeman or Kimbrel. You could incude Justin in the discussion, too...

September tells the tale.

[rico43]

Most likely to receive a postseason award/honor? Fredi Gonzalez.

[Julio3000]

Freddie's consistent performance probably deserves it, if only for being a constant balm for our collective neuroses.

Jason might've been my choice, pre-beaning.

[skillet]

Freeman, Simmons and Kimbrel are 1a, 1b and 1c.

[Carp]

Has top be Freeman, and assuming he doesn't completely fall off, Freeman will finish in the top 5 in NL MVP voting most likely. Will probably have a pretty decent shot at winning it if he Can get to 20+ homers 100 RBI's (stats that the writers actually care about). But Cutch probably wins it this yr. And he deseves it

[zitothebrave]

Has top be Freeman, and assuming he doesn't completely fall off, Freeman will finish in the top 5 in NL MVP voting most likely. Will probably have a pretty decent shot at winning it if he Can get to 20+ homers 100 RBI's (stats that the writers actually care about). But Cutch probably wins it this yr. And he deseves it

Freeman shouldn't be top 5 in MVP voting. Love him but he's only really got an attractive BA. If you presume the writers go the triple crown route then it will be Goldschmidt, who leads the NL in RBIs and is second in homers. Of course those could change to end the season. Though it totally shoudl be Cutch considering he's hitting as well as guys like Votto and Goldschmidt, but doing it with good CF defense and great baserunning.

BTW guess which one is Heyward, which one is Freeman, and which one is Cutch

10.6%BB 16.5%K .170 iso 22.1 LD%
10.9%BB 14.7%K .187 iso 24.9 LD%
10.1%BB 19.0%K ,166 iso 27.2 LD%

All of them are pretty danged close huh? Shame one was semi-ruined by a horribly unlucky BABIP.

[Carp]

He's top 10 in BA and top 5 in RBI though, so he is a leader in 2 of the triple crown categories. And sports writers love big RBI guys, as stupid of a stat as it is. I think top 5 (assuming no drastic changes in performance) will be Cutch (winner), Goldschimdt, Molina, Votto, and Freeman.

[zitothebrave]

Perhaps but I think one of the guys on bad teams sneaks in with Wright or Gomez over Freddie and maybe Votto.

[The Chosen One]

Gonna change my answer and go outside the box.

BJ Upton.

If he hadn't been so crappy the entire year, Heyward would not have played CF and hit leadoff, and the rest of the team wouldn't have needed to step up their games to cover for BJ's terrible offense.

[Julio3000]

Gonna change my answer and go outside the box.

BJ Upton.

If he hadn't been so crappy the entire year, Heyward would not have played CF and hit leadoff, and the rest of the team wouldn't have needed to step up their games to cover for BJ's terrible offense.

Preach it.

—Brian Jordan

[Orphan Black]

Good? Not really.

I think so...simply because of the loss of Venters and O'Flaherty. Obviously Kimbrel's numbers are better than Avilan. Avilan has played a major role in the bullpen. Now with Downs there too he's not as important, but with the way Carpenter and Walden have pitched it's possible either of them could have filled the closers role (I know Walden has bit it the couple of times they used him to give Kimbrel a break, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't have been able to do it over the course of the year).

[bravesnumberone]

I don't want to turn this into a league MVP discussion, but Puig is going to be right there when all is said and done. Whether he deserves it or not is up for debate.

[cajunrevenge]

I agree it is Freeman for all the reasons already stated. Also he has hit .439 with risp which is a big deal for a team that can struggle to score runs consistently.

[Orphan Black]

Don't look now Freeman doubters, but his OPS is now .892.

not sure if it's possible, but his OBP is also .392...he could pontentially end .300/.400/.500 if he stays hot for the last few games.

[nsacpi]

Don't look now Freeman doubters, but his OPS is now .892.

not sure if it's possible, but his OBP is also .392...he could pontentially end .300/.400/.500 if he stays hot for the last few games.

Chipper-like. And better than Chipper's age 23 season.

[57Brave]

I still say Kimbrell. Not taking anything from Freeman - but lots of players have those years.
What Kimbrell brings to this team is other worldly.

My guess is playoff teams are already trying to figure out how to make sure they have successful early innings to avoid having to deal with that.
Like any hitter, Freeman can be pitched to. Kimbrell is something no other team can bring to a game.

Hell, let them share it. ****, I dont think either cares who gets the credit. That is why this team is so special

[Enscheff]

Don't look now Freeman doubters, but his OPS is now .892.

not sure if it's possible, but his OBP is also .392...he could pontentially end .300/.400/.500 if he stays hot for the last few games.

It's also interesting that he sits the day after the division is clinched. Makes me think he told Fredi not to rest him until the division was locked up.

If his power takes another step forward next year we are looking at a bonafide MVP candidate.

[thethe]

It's also interesting that he sits the day after the division is clinched. Makes me think he told Fredi not to rest him until the division was locked up.

If his power takes another step forward next year we are looking at a bonafide MVP candidate.

Just like some of us have been saying for two years. He is by far our best hitter and will ontinue to get better. Not sure why its crazy to think he will be a top 5-10 firstbaseman for the next 10 years.

[holden]

This year, it's probably Simmons, followed closely by Freddie.

Had Jason been healthier, he would have walked away with it.

[zitothebrave]

61-30 in games Jason started. Pretty damned awesome.

[Braves1976]

This year, it's probably Simmons, followed closely by Freddie.

That's pretty much my take too, Simmons is our defensive MVP and Freeman is our offensive MVP. While overall I'd say both of them at this point are co-MVP's for Braves.

[GovClintonTyree]

Chipper-like. And better than Chipper's age 23 season.

Agreed. How remarkable is it that Chipper went .300/.400/.500 for his career?

Six guys in history have done that with 450 HR, 1500 runs and RBI - Ruth, Gehrig, Williams, Foxx, Musial and CJones.

[thethe]

Agreed. How remarkable is it that Chipper went .300/.400/.500 for his career?

Six guys in history have done that with 450 HR, 1500 runs and RBI - Ruth, Gehrig, Williams, Foxx, Musial and CJones.

Just incredible....Thanks for that.

[Orphan Black]

Freddie is so close

.317/.396/.503

Also like these trends

Walks
2011 - 53
2012 - 64
2013 - 66

Strikeouts
2011 - 142
2012 - 129
2013 - 117

[thethe]

Freddie is so close

.317/.396/.503

Also like these trends

Walks
2011 - 53
2012 - 64
2013 - 66

Strikeouts
2011 - 142
2012 - 129
2013 - 117

His LD% has gone up each year as well. He is just a special special hitter.

[zitothebrave]

His LD% has gone up each year as well. He is just a special special hitter.

As has his HR/FB lots of good trends for him. Need to K less still to be a legit .300 threat year in and year out like Chipper was, but if he's only a .290 hitter every year how can I really complain?

[thethe]

As has his HR/FB lots of good trends for him. Need to K less still to be a legit .300 threat year in and year out like Chipper was, but if he's only a .290 hitter every year how can I really complain?

Just the fact that we are even mentioning Freeman in the same sentence as Chipper is amazing. There is probalby a less than 5% chance he is as good as Chipper but its definiteliy a non-zero chance which is exciting.

[cajunrevenge]

Trending upwards in the second half. .330/.409/.551 with a 37 home run pace over a full season. The lowest OPS he has in any month this season is .833 in April and .834 in August. The lowest batting average for a month .291. I think he is on the verge of a big breakout next year. I am thinking something like .320+/.400+/.525+. We need to sign this guy to as long a term of extension as we can before he gets a whiff of the money free agency could bring him.

[Heyward]

Trending upwards in the second half. .330/.409/.551 with a 37 home run pace over a full season. The lowest OPS he has in any month this season is .833 in April and .834 in August. The lowest batting average for a month .291. I think he is on the verge of a big breakout next year. I am thinking something like .320+/.400+/.525+. We need to sign this guy to as long a term of extension as we can before he gets a whiff of the money free agency could bring him.

Concerns me he and Heyward turned down extensions reportedly.

I would give both 10 year deals right now and wouldn't hesitate.

But do they accept?

[zitothebrave]

Concerns me he and Heyward turned down extensions reportedly.

I would give both 10 year deals right now and wouldn't hesitate.

But do they accept?

They should. People keep mentioning them rejecting extensions but we don't know what they offered.

[yeezus]

They should. People keep mentioning them rejecting extensions but we don't know what they offered.

Right, exactly. Maybe they thought their values would go up. Nothing wrong with that.
If we want to keep them, we will. And we should. Great cornerstones.

[thethe]

I just hope we don't lose these two. IF it means having to get rid of guys like Justin/Medlen/Kimbrel then so be it. Those are the only two (I would argue three with Simmons) that have to be extended.

[yeezus]

Agree, don't want to let go of Simmons.

[zitothebrave]

I just hope we don't lose these two. IF it means having to get rid of guys like Justin/Medlen/Kimbrel then so be it. Those are the only two (I would argue three with Simmons) that have to be extended.

Eh I'd be willing to wait on Simmons. To me Jason, Justin and Freddie are the 3 most important extensions on the team. Then after them comes Simmons, Minor, etc.

Simmonsis amazing now, but the important thing to remember is that defense peaks early. We saw it with Drew. Simmons will still be great of course as he ages, but this may well be his finest season and if he hits like this and loses some runs fielding a lot of his value erodes.

[thethe]

Eh I'd be willing to wait on Simmons. To me Jason, Justin and Freddie are the 3 most important extensions on the team. Then after them comes Simmons, Minor, etc.

Simmonsis amazing now, but the important thing to remember is that defense peaks early. We saw it with Drew. Simmons will still be great of course as he ages, but this may well be his finest season and if he hits like this and loses some runs fielding a lot of his value erodes.

Simmons should be a stud defender for at least another 5-6 years and while he will slow down he will slow down from one of the greatest if not greatest of all time. Druw got fat and had bad knees. That is why he fell off a cliff. Simmons is far more valueable to this team long term then Justin.

[zitothebrave]

Simmons should be a stud defender for at least another 5-6 years and while he will slow down he will slow down from one of the greatest if not greatest of all time. Druw got fat and had bad knees. That is why he fell off a cliff. Simmons is far more valueable to this team long term then Justin.

Have to disagree. If Simmons hits then he's worth it more than Justin, if he doesn't then he's not. Justin is a potential MVP and a counterpoint to our 2 lefties. Simmons as long as he doesn't hit much has found his ceiling, Justin has shown a much higher ceiling. Iwant to keep both around. But if i could only extend 3 I'd keep Justin over Simmons.

And Drew was falling way before getting fat.

[Heyward]

They should. People keep mentioning them rejecting extensions but we don't know what they offered.

I've heard both want to test free agency...

[zitothebrave]

I've heard both want to test free agency...

I'm sure that's from a highly reliable source. If we make them a fair offer they'll sign. We probably offered them a low ball deal and they rejected.

[Dalyn]

I'm sure that's from a highly reliable source. If we make them a fair offer they'll sign. We probably offered them a low ball deal and they rejected.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWQIhfysglA/Tm83X4ORbMI/AAAAAAAAIOM/i-2XoXgDTZQ/s1600/campfire.gif

[thethe]

Have to disagree. If Simmons hits then he's worth it more than Justin, if he doesn't then he's not. Justin is a potential MVP and a counterpoint to our 2 lefties. Simmons as long as he doesn't hit much has found his ceiling, Justin has shown a much higher ceiling. Iwant to keep both around. But if i could only extend 3 I'd keep Justin over Simmons.

And Drew was falling way before getting fat.

Personally I think Simmons will be a 750-800 OPS bat consistently. Guy is a hitter but he is still learning.

[zitothebrave]

Personally I think Simmons will be a 750-800 OPS bat consistently. Guy is a hitter but he is still learning.

Maybe he will but based on the evidence we have, I take Justin first.

[Tapate50]

Chris Johnson for MVP anyone? Zeets?

[Dalyn]

Freeman. No doubt.

[Runnin]

Freeman is the MVP, no question. Solid as a rock all year and this Sept. when we needed him the most he's giving us the best month of his career.

[Heyward]

Chris Johnson for MVP anyone? Zeets?

Freeman by a mile, but CJ is 2 or 3 offensively, he's been so good.

[Carp]

Looking more and more like Freeman finishes no lower than 5th in NL MVP voting. Most likely finishes 2nd in voting. What a great yr he's had.

[Runnin]

Looking more and more like Freeman finishes no lower than 5th in NL MVP voting. Most likely finishes 2nd in voting. What a great yr he's had.
He finished the season with over .500 SLG (.501) and almost over .900 OPS (.897). Almost at .400 OBP (.396) and raised his career average to .285.

All of his numbers just keep getting better and better. http://www.lakelandfloridaliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/statistics_iClipart-300x255.jpghttp://thegoldensombrero.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/freddiefreeman.jpg

[nsacpi]

I just hope we don't lose these two. IF it means having to get rid of guys like Justin/Medlen/Kimbrel then so be it. Those are the only two (I would argue three with Simmons) that have to be extended.

Those are the big 3. Everyone else is behind them.

[PawPawMaxwell]

I wonder where this team would have wound up if Prado had been more inclined to negotiate. Doubt there was any other way to get Upton and Johnson. But then too, if the FO had any idea that Gattis would bring what he did, would Wren even have been interested in those two.

[nsacpi]

I wonder where this team would have wound up if Prado had been more inclined to negotiate. Doubt there was any other way to get Upton and Johnson. But then too, if the FO had any idea that Gattis would bring what he did, would Wren even have been interested in those two.

I don't think the trade for Upton turned on Prado's contract demands. As I recall, it was the trade with Seattle falling through that made the Diamondbacks look more carefully at what the Braves had to offer. The Braves were willing to give Prado up all along.

[PawPawMaxwell]

I don't think the trade for Upton turned on Prado's contract demands. As I recall, it was the trade with Seattle falling through that made the Diamondbacks look more carefully at what the Braves had to offer. The Braves were willing to give Prado up all along.
That is not what I recall but then Im getting long in the tooth and memory is just another thing that doesnt work. Prado was penciled in as the primary 3rd baseman but wanted 4/48. Of course, I wasnt there but IMO the trade would not even have happened if Johnson hadnt been "thrown in" if reports are accurate.

Where would we have wound up with Prado at 3rd and Gattis in LF? Probably not quite as high without Uprons April/May.

[50PoundHead]

Offensive MVP: Freeman
Pitching MVP: Medlen

I think if you get a chance of Justin Upton, you go for it. I think Prado's impending contract had something to do with moving him, but it was more that you have to "give to get." Prado is a good second-tier player. Upton is inconsistent, but he's a borderline first-tier guy who can carry a team (which we saw for part of the season). Good deal for both teams if Upton was intent on getting out of Arizona.

[thethe]

Offensive MVP: Freeman
Pitching MVP: Medlen

I think if you get a chance of Justin Upton, you go for it. I think Prado's impending contract had something to do with moving him, but it was more that you have to "give to get." Prado is a good second-tier player. Upton is inconsistent, but he's a borderline first-tier guy who can carry a team (which we saw for part of the season). Good deal for both teams if Upton was intent on getting out of Arizona.

Agreed all around.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Offensive MVP: Freeman
Pitching MVP: Medlen

I think if you get a chance of Justin Upton, you go for it. I think Prado's impending contract had something to do with moving him, but it was more that you have to "give to get." Prado is a good second-tier player. Upton is inconsistent, but he's a borderline first-tier guy who can carry a team (which we saw for part of the season). Good deal for both teams if Upton was intent on getting out of Arizona.
I was under the impression that the Arizona GM was the one intent on getting Upton out of town. In fact it was reported that Upton was building a mansion there.

[50PoundHead]

I was under the impression that the Arizona GM was the one intent on getting Upton out of town. In fact it was reported that Upton was building a mansion there.

Who knows what the truth is? My point is on a value-for-value basis, we came out ahead in the short term and we don't know about the long term. I love Prado as a player (I was one of his first, strongest, and most consistent backers on the old board) and I'd rather have him on one leg than Uggla on two, but that wasn't going to happen given Uggla's contract and Wren's and Gonzalez' irrational love affair with the guy.

[weso1]

Freeman finished as one of the 10 best offensive players in the NL this season. Not too bad at all. Easily the mvp of the team, imo.

A lot of the experts say the Braves are an all or nothing team yet we finished with two hitters in the top 5 in the NL in batting average.

[zitothebrave]

Freeman finished as one of the 10 best offensive players in the NL this season. Not too bad at all. Easily the mvp of the team, imo.

A lot of the experts say the Braves are an all or nothing team yet we finished with two hitters in the top 5 in the NL in batting average and finished 6th in the league in team OBP. We actually only wound up 7th in the league in strikeouts.

We have a few hackers but not too many. Uggla and Bossman are the only 2 with a ton of PA who K over 30% of the time. Then we have in the 25-30 range Justin and Schafer, and in the 20-25 Gattis and Johnson. Freeman Heyward and Mac in 15-20, and Simmons was under 10% The hacking issue with us was guys like Johnson, Gattis, and Simmons who may not K too much but don't walk almost at all.