Spring Training Thread

[OcalaBrave]

I'm a big believer it matters who gets ABs in ST.

Ozuna has the most. Obviously they want him to prove he's worth keeping.
Grissom and Shewmake got a bunch. I'm guessing that was a test to see if the Braves needed to explore a trade now as opposed to waiting until the deadline.
Hilliard, Pillar and White round out those of note. Rosario did not get a bunch because he was in the WBC.

Shewmake, Grissom and White all got sent down Monday. They are all on the 40 man roster and did well in the ABs they were given. One would think the club won't hesitate to use any of the 3 if the need arises.

Hilliard and Pillar appear to be the likely back-up OF. Hilliard has outperformed Pillar. Hilliard is on the 40 man (and out of options) and Pillar is not, but Pillar is RH and Snit seems to like him.

Sanchez, Adrianza and Dunand all got similar run in a competition for back-up infielder. Adrianza is the only one to produce anything of note.

[OcalaBrave]

You are right. Grissom could prove polish his defensive chops in Atlanta.

Given all of the tutoring he got over the winter, someone upstairs must think he has work to do on the defensive side before he becomes the everyday SS in Atlanta. They spent all winter trying to build his confidence. If he started in Atlanta and butchers a couple of balls early, while he is under the microscope, that fragile confidence might be lost. If he goes to AAA and employs what he learned from Wash... and it becomes habit... then he's more likely to succeed in the bright lights of Atlanta when he gets his shot.

[zbhargrove]

I am not sold on Jiminez nor Anderson. I did like Collin last year. And whatever TB did to him hopefully sticks around while we have him.

I will say, pen is usually fairly easy to upgrade and sometimes a prospect just appears from no where.

N. Anderson's stuff has always been elite... just needs to stay healthy. If he's healthy, he will be big for us this year.

[bravesfanMatt]

N. Anderson's stuff has always been elite... just needs to stay healthy. If he's healthy, he will be big for us this year.

so then he would be a question mark..

[Hulavol]

It’s Michael Soroka Day !!!!!

Man- I can’t wait to watch this 😍😍😍

[CJ9]

I am not sold on Jiminez nor Anderson. I did like Collin last year. And whatever TB did to him hopefully sticks around while we have him.

I will say, pen is usually fairly easy to upgrade and sometimes a prospect just appears from no where.

Fangraphs projects the Braves pen to be worth 5.2 WAR, the most in the majors. Second place is the Padres at 4.1.

https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=RP

[zbhargrove]

so then he would be a question mark..

He's healthy now and was effective in spring... I'd say until he's not healthy, he's not much of a question mark

[msstate7]

Adrianza wants Grissom on the mlb team

[striker42]

so then he would be a question mark..

Teams generally have 2 or 3 solid relievers and after that a bunch of question marks. You generally try to get multiple question marks that are good bets (guys coming off injuries, guys with great stuff that just need to harness it, etc) and hope to hit on a few of them. Add in a long reliever and you have a pen.

[zbhargrove]

I've seen Soroka up to 95 mph... command is a bit rusty... a couple wild pitches... but the velocity is promising if he can get the command sharper

[zbhargrove]

Hiliard continues to hit well... would be fun if we could find a diamond in the rough there. Has the pedigree... maybe he finds it now that he's not in a garbage organiztion. Maybe can do a Max Muncy

[CJ9]

Soroka fastball was 91-92 to start the inning, touching 95-96 some a few batters in. He averaged 92.9 in 2019 and 93.0 in 2020. Slider control isn't very sharp at all, but he actually looks healthy and the velocity is fine.

He also had to get off the mound quickly and field a nubber in front of the plate. That has to be a big deal for him.

Good first inning for him.

[zbhargrove]

Soroka fastball was 91-92 to start the inning, touching 95-96 some a few batters in. He averaged 92.9 in 2019 and 93.0 in 2020. Slider control isn't very sharp at all, but he actually looks healthy and the velocity is fine.

He also had to get off the mound quickly and field a nubber in front of the plate. That has to be a big deal for him.

Good first inning for him.

Agreed... very promising... rust seemed to be the only problem... nothing unfixable thus far

[bravesfanMatt]

I've seen Soroka up to 95 mph... command is a bit rusty... a couple wild pitches... but the velocity is promising if he can get the command sharper

Hudson was sitting with a runner on and not shifting over didn’t help. But I am seeing the same. Command is garbage right now. But velo was good and he bounced off mound to field a dribbler.

[CJ9]

Looks like 95.8 was the hardest fastball he threw. Mostly settled in 93-94.

[thewupk]

Braves have their D lineup out there today

[CJ9]

Braves have their D lineup out there today

And it showed during Soroka's first inning. Adrianza botched a routine ground ball, and this catcher is horrendous.

[msstate7]

Tigers' radio is gushing over the braves' team. Obviously not this team, but the real team

[CJ9]

And it showed during Soroka's first inning. Adrianza botched a routine ground ball, and this catcher is horrendous.

And it is somehow getting worse.

[UNCBlue012]

Tigers' radio is gushing over the braves' team. Obviously not this team, but the real team

What are they saying? Obviously, the Bravos aren't often in the exciting position they are now so I want to soak in all the praise lol