GDT 8/3 THE SOROKA GOES FOR BLOOD

[Hulavol]

1. R. Acuna (R) RF
2. Ozzie Albies (S) 2B
3. F. Freeman (L) 1B
4. Marcell Ozuna (R) LF
5. Matt Adams (L) DH
6. T. d'Arnaud (R) C
7. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
8. Johan Camargo (S) 3B
9. Ender Inciarte (L) CF

[Enscheff]

We are probably past the point where Albies should be batting in the top half vs RHP.

With no pitcher batting 9th, Acuna leading off is much more tolerable, so when Markakis is going full steam the lineup should be:

vs RHP (order of 5-9 not really set)
Acuna RF
Freeman 1B
Markakis LF (.371 OBP vs RHP in 2019)
Ozuna DH
TD C
Swanson SS
Albies 2B
Camargo 3B
Inciarte CF

With AA on the look out for a LHH 3B to replace Camargo and bat 5th behind Ozuna.

vs LHP (order of 5-9 not really set):
Acuna CF (assuming the defense remains tolerable)
Freeman 1B
Albies 2B
Ozuna LF/DH
Duvall RF
Swanson SS
TD C
Camargo 3B
Riley LF/DH (if he continues to be awful after ~75 PAs Ender is in CF everyday for the defense)

The point being Albies needs to be in the bottom half vs RHP, Markakis needs to be in the top half vs RHP, Camargo should only face LHP, and the Braves need to add a LHH at 3B. These are facts we've known for a while.

[Enscheff]

Someone like Shaw from the Jays, or Seager from the Ms could be targets after those teams fall out of contention.

Shaw should have been a target this off season.

[clvclv]

Wonder if they'd consider Shewmake as the LH side of the 3B platoon at this juncture if they're not prepared to pull the trigger on a trade? Would be nice if we had access to reports on how the guys at Gwinnett look facing (for the most part) more advanced or better competition than they saw last season - especially college bats like Shewmake and Ball.

Just hard for me to believe AA is going to give up much in trade in a crazy season like this unless it's for a controllable TOR arm to go along with Soroka and Fried - especially given how lucky he's been with the ability to platoon all the other weaker positions. Once you add Markakis, the lineup becomes completely balanced (Ender/Acuna, Markakis/Duvall, Ozuna/Adams at DH if you so choose, and Riley/Schebler on the bench).

I'm sure the Ms and Jays SHOULDN'T expect a major return for either of those guys, but I still wonder if it's not going to be more than AA will be comfortable paying.

[TheBravos]

Someone like Shaw from the Jays, or Seager from the Ms could be targets after those teams fall out of contention.

Shaw should have been a target this off season.

With us actually needing less minor league players this year and with probably too many pitchers at this point (most not winning a spot)...maybe he will trade away a few. Not sure I would trade for a position player unless Ender is in the package though. Would like to see us get a #2 or #3 innings eater, but it will likely comes at too high a price and I have a feeling the Braves won’t be big on adding extra salary either.

Overall, I think they see this as a prove it year for the top guys ready (Wright, Touki, Wilson,Newk). They “should” give them every chance to succeed. Especially since Soroka and Fried have locked down spots and Cole likely will be back sometime.

There will be a whole new crop of guys to challenge for spots next year (Anderson, Ynoa, Muller, Davidson...maybe even this year, Weigel and De la Cruz).

Hopefully Cole can return and at least one (or even better two) or Wright, Touki, Wilson and Newk can step forward. Wilson and Newk seem to be destined for the pen unfortunately.

[Enscheff]

Problem is, nobody needs MiLB players. And who is going to be used as trade bait? Guys who haven't been scouted since last year?

I have a feeling the Braves will be in the enviable position of having a bunch of good-not-great controllable players who are known quantities, and those known quantities are going to be what other teams will value when they let go of impact MLB players.

[USMA76]

Someone like Shaw from the Jays, or Seager from the Ms could be targets after those teams fall out of contention.

Shaw should have been a target this off season.

I haven't followed him recently but the couple of times I saw Seager in person, I liked him.

Curious as to your thoughts to the idea (which I originally heard from Tony LaRussa having no idea whether or not he originated it) of having "a second leadoff hitter" batting ninth? The obvious logic being that after the first time through the order you essentially have two leadoff hitters. Unless I'm missing something, wouldn't that give Acuna more RBI opportunities especially since it doesn't appear that Snitker's going to move RAJ from leading off? The first lineup you posited has Enciarte in the ninth spot which approaches LaRussa's idea. Your second scenario with Camargo not so much. Understandably, you're giving a good hitter fewer at bats by hitting him ninth.

To what extent, if any, is the "second leadoff hitter lineup" changed by the presence of a DH?

Thanks in advance.

[Enscheff]

IIRC, LaRussa batted the pitcher 8th and a position player 9th mainly so he could bat Big Mac #2. "The Book" agrees that your 9 hitter should be better than your 8 hitter if you stack the top of the lineup with hitters like Acuna and Freeman 1-2. Since your 3 hitter comes up so often in the 1st inning with 0 men on and 2 outs, he should be a lesser hitter than you 4 and 5 hitters.

For the most part, bottom half hitters are all so interchangeable that it doesn't really matter who hits 8 or 9 (as long as they aren't the pitcher). Ender 9th vs RHP and Camargo 9th vs LHP is probably just as good as any other order in any practical sense.

If anything, a slower runner in front of Acuna is preferable since he will be scoring frequently on HRs anyways...you ideally want fast guys to steal in front of singles hitters, and not risk getting thrown out in front of power hitters. A SB is much more valuable with Ichiro/Gwynn batting than with Bonds/McGwire batting, for example.

[USMA76]

No McNeil in the lineup--I wonder what's up with that? Not complaining, mind you.

[bravesfanMatt]

No McNeil in the lineup--I wonder what's up with that? Not complaining, mind you.

Radio said lower back tightness during batting practice

[bravesfanMatt]

How does this guy throw so damn hard.

[TURBO]

I wonder if Albies would hit RHP better batting righty. His left side isnt great

[Enscheff]

Soroka's velocity seems down early.

[CyYoung31]

I wonder if Albies would hit RHP better batting righty. His left side isnt great

He was solid last year against LHP. Made real strides. No need to **** with him.

[CyYoung31]

Soroka's velocity seems down early.

Probably just the lighting.

[USMA76]

I wonder if Albies would hit RHP better batting righty. His left side isnt great

I may be wrong but Albies switch hitting is like Acuña batting leadoff--Snit is placating his young stars. Hopefully, they'll come to the realization on their own that those things may not generate the best results for the team. Snitker clearly would prefer not to have to force the issue so we'll have to see how it plays out.

[CyYoung31]

101 ****ing MPH.

[USMA76]

101 ****ing MPH.

Gear up for 100 mph then he throws 85 at the bottom of the zone. Have fun with that. Guy's amazing.

[Enscheff]

TD isn't impressed by 100...when he guesses right

[Enscheff]

I'd sit slider and hope he hangs one