Official Spring Training Thread

[Enscheff]

For better or worse, most pitchers nowadays are scouted on velocity and spin, so that's what serious prospects tend to focus on. I suppose organizations feel they can teach a change, but they can't teach 95 mph or 2500 rpm. AJSS might be another example of raw talent "learning how to pitch". We all are certainly hoping that's the case.

[Slippyjms]

AJSS aint gonna get that 5th spot. Because service time.

In reality most of the SP are competing for the 6th starters spot. Lopez will probably get the 5th starters spot to start the year.

[bravesfanMatt]

In reality most of the SP are competing for the 6th starters spot. Lopez will probably get the 5th starters spot to start the year.

I think elder will be the short leash guy coming out of spring. Struggle too much and off to AAA

[CyYoung31]

Donaldson retires.

Honestly, if he didn’t take him until 26 to bust into the league, he’d have a very strong HoF case right now.

[Slippyjms]

I think elder will be the short leash guy coming out of spring. Struggle too much and off to AAA

I just don't see how Elder makes the roster. There isn't really any room on the pitching staff for him. Giles is looking like he needs a spot in the pen too. It's not even Elder's fault really. It's just a numbers game.

[bravesfanforlife88]

I just don't see how Elder makes the roster. There isn't really any room on the pitching staff for him. Giles is looking like he needs a spot in the pen too. It's not even Elder's fault really. It's just a numbers game.

Agreed. I could see Lopez as the 5th starter and Giles in the pen if he continues to look good.

Elder would be next up IMO unless AJSS absolutely shoves the rest of spring training and in Gwinnett

[thewupk]

Donaldson retires.

Honestly, if he didn’t take him until 26 to bust into the league, he’d have a very strong HoF case right now.

The Nelson Cruz situation. If only the Brewers gave him a chance early on.

[Carp]

Good bench pieces can be had now for pretty cheap. Why wait till end of July. If the Braves can’t afford 2-4 mill then AA screwed up somewhere.

2-4 million buys a 7-10 million contract at the deadline. I assume if we are holding back from using that 7ish million that we're under the next threshold, it's because AA wants the flexibility to add a more expensive players at the deadline if a need should arise.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Acuña will be fine and avoided major injury

The Atlanta Braves expect Ronald Acuna Jr. to be ready for Opening Day after a medical evaluation confirmed that the superstar outfielder does not have a serious knee injury.

The Braves announced Tuesday that Dr. Neal ElAttrache has confirmed the team's initial diagnosis of irritation in the meniscus of Acuna's right knee.

[Heyward]

Acuña will be fine and avoided major injury

Still agree with Scheff we need a better bench RH OF bat. But the team does seem to be pretty high on Forrest Wall but he's LH, same with Kelenic.

[CyYoung31]

Acuña will be fine and avoided major injury

Imagine that. I told you all it was nothing to worry about.

[zbhargrove]

Ooooof… Giolito has elbow discomfort and the Sox are pretty concerned

[msstate7]

Imagine that. I told you all it was nothing to worry about.

He'll try to steal twice on opening day

[Heyward]

Per Passan, sounds like Giolito possibly out for the season. Partially torn UCL. Is that Jordan Montgomery music?

[Enscheff]

It seems we forgot how low Acuna's pain tolerance is.

[cajunrevenge]

Per Passan, sounds like Giolito possibly out for the season. Partially torn UCL. Is that Jordan Montgomery music?

Maybe Chris Sale isnt injury prone. The Red Sox are just injury prone.

[Enscheff]

Hopefully Acuna is back to 100 steal attempts sliding hands first into every bag by opening day. Taking all that injury risk to accumulate 0.5 additional wins for a guy projected to produce 10x that or more with his bat alone will continue to risk injury for meaningless stolen bases because…dynamic.

I’m sure this little injury scare taught them nothing.

[cajunrevenge]

I think Snitker needs to do some reverse psychology on him. Like tell him "Sure you can steal 70 bases but I bet you cant hit 70 HR in a season".

[CyYoung31]

It seems we forgot how low Acuna's pain tolerance is.

Lol, I did mention that, jokingly.

[UNCBlue012]

Solid piece on AJSS: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/aj-smith...er-is-growing/