It's been awhile since I last posted. I figured I would give a preview of my favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves and take a look at their offense while previewing the pitching in tomorrow's post. Since I really have no interest talking about college basketball (sorry cannot get over the poor quality of play, the NBA (hometown team taking a nose dive toward irrelevancy in a hurry), or the NFL (wake me up when the season starts-tired of all this labor talk-it is not interesting at all and it just ticks me off on both ends).
Projected Lineup
1. Martin Prado LF (27)- 2010 Numbers: .307-15-66-.809 (OPS)
This guy represents everything that I love about baseball. Hard-working, consistent (hit .307 on the button last 2 seasons), gives great effort every night, and is a notorious gym rat. He always makes the correct baseball play whether out on the field or in the batter's box. Selfless attitude, willing to shift positions without complaining and he does whatever he can to help the club win. He is probably more suited to bat 2nd in this lineup and maybe he will before the season ends but he does not hurt you in the leadoff spot. He is in the prime of his career and I expect similar results from him for this season.
2. Nate McClouth CF (29)-2010 Numbers: .190-6-24-.620
He was godawful last year. No doubt about that. I was initially hesitant of the Braves decision to put him in this spot in the lineup but after careful thought and consideration this move could do wonders to his confidence and is a good spot to be in the lineup hitting between Prado and Chipper. He is a career .252 hitter so there is reason to believe he should do A LOT better this season. If the Braves can get a career average season from him than that will be a huge plus for the club this season. I expect him to bounce back and hit around .260 and to double his HR total in 2011 with around 12 for the season.
3. Chipper Jones 3B (39)-2010 Numbers: .265-10-46-.806-95 gms
This future Hall of Famer is probably in his last season of his tremendous career. He is still a huge presence in this lineup despite his failing health and still can give you a clutch at bat when you need him to. He still has a great eye at the plate as evidenced by his .381 on base percentage which is excellent considering his .265 batting average. Do not expect him to play more than about 120 games or so, but as long as he can avoid long DL stints he can be effective. Projected numbers- .275-14-62 w/ a high on base percentage.
4. Brian McCann (27)- 2010 Numbers: .269-21-77-.828
Another player in the prime of his career. He is among the top 3-4 guys in his position in the majors. His power numbers have been pretty consistent, usually around 20 HR a year. I expect him to hit a career high in HR this year with 25 this season. I think his average will rise and be right around his career average of .289.
5. Dan Uggla (31)- 2010 Numbers: .287-33-105-.877
Big acquisition for the Braves to put in the middle of their lineup. His defense is questionable but they did not acquire him for that part of his game. They got him because he has hit 154 HR in his 5 seasons in the majors. That is 31 a year. His batting average should return to the mean and be around .260 or so. Another given is that he will strike out a ton and that he will probably struggle in April before busting out in May. Some Braves fans will be disappointed when he does not hit .320 with 45 HR and a 130 RBI and they will have to stay disappointed because he will not hit that well, but he will provide a significant power boost to the lineup and will probably bat cleanup against LHP, which he absolutely crushes.
6. Jason Heyward (21)-2010 Numbers: .277-18-72-.849
Sky is the limit for this young stud. If only he can avoid some of these growing pains that caused him to miss 20 games last year. Would like to see him get into 150 or so this season. I expect his numbers to incrementally get better, meaning the average to rise about 10 points, to add about 5-6 HR and now that he is batting lower in the order he will be in a better position to drive in some runs. He has a tremendous eye at the plate, not just for a young player but for anyone period. His .393 on base percentage was 4th in the NL last season. Right behind guys like Pujols, Votto, and Fielder. Not bad eh.
7. Alex Gonzalez (34)-2010 Numbers: .250-23-88-.741
Sea Bass came over to the Braves in a midseason trade with the Blue Jays last season and he preceded to do what he has always done. Hit around .240, strike out a lot and not hit a lot of homers. Do not get me wrong, he provided some stability after the disappearance of Yunel Escobar, who suddenly forgot how to hit at the ripe old age of 27. He is going to strike out a bunch and hit around .245 and that is fine for a guy hitting this low in the lineup. He does not need to hit any higher than this or the Braves may be in some trouble. This will more than likely be his last season in a Braves uniform. I will be very surprised if he is with the club next season.
8. Freddie Freeman (21)-2010 Numbers-only 24 AB's w/ 1 HR(bomb off of Roy Halladay)
A little bit of an unknown this year for Freddie. This guy will hit, but how well? Probably not as good as Heyward last season. My best guess would say he hits around .270 with about 15 HR's. He'll take some walks and probably strike out some. He will play excellent defense and I am excited to see what he can do for a full season. His minor league numbers show that he can hit (.301 career average). I think he will grow into his power, he is indeed a big fella (6'5 and around 245).
The bench is a little bit of an unknown, as most benches are. David Ross and Eric Hinske are known commodities who provide production when forced into duty. Brooks Conrad will provide some clutch pop off the bench, just do not expect him to do much out in the field. After that its anyones guess who the remaining guys will be. Joe Mather, Diory Hernandez, Brandon Hicks, Matt Young, Ed Lucas anyone?
Tomorrow I will preview the pitching for the club. Until then, hugs and handpounds everyone.
MB
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