The first half officially ended for the Braves a few hours ago after a 14-1 loss to the front-running Phillies. This ties the season series at 6-6, an amazing accomplishment when we realize that Scott Proctor pitched in a few of those games. All kidding aside, the Braves are exactly where I predicted they would be.....within striking distance of the Phils, and leading the wild card.
My prediction was spot-on, but how we have gotten to this point has been very different to how I thought it to happen. The pitching has been stronger than even I expected, the defense has been a lot better than I could have ever imagined, and the hitting, well that's a different story. I predicted with Fredi Gonzalez running the team, we would steal bases and hit-and-run teams to death. However, it's been the speed game that has died. Worst in the majors in steals, our leader Schafer has just 11, and only one other player has even 5. We only have one .300+ hitter in all-star Brian McCann, and the team has a slew of players with sub .235 averages .300 on base %'s. To sum it up: BRUTAL.
The pen has been flat out amazing led by O'Flaherty, Venters, and Kimbrel. All get A+ marks. Sherrill and Linebrink have really come on, Martinez gave us some great outings, and Moylen was strong. Gearrin has been OK, and Proctor is what we all that he would be: An overrated pile of HORSESH*T. (Since June 1: 15GP 0-3, 8.25ERA, 1.75WHIP, 12IP, 16H, 5BB, 10K, 4HR)
The starters have been a bright spot. Jurrjens and Hanson have taken that next step into stardom, Hudson has been steady, even brilliant at times. Beachy is showing that he is next to break through, and Lowe has been serviceable. Minor and Teheran are not quite ready for prime time but have great futures.
The bench has been strong after starting the season 0-25 pinch-hitting or whatever it was. Conrad, Ross, and Hinske have all provided power and Ramirez is an interesting option at the end of the bench.
Projected (Healthy) Lineup:
Schafer
Prado
McCann
Jones
Freeman
Uggla
Heyward
Gonzalez
Bench: McLouth, Ross, Hinske, Conrad, Lugo
Stevieincognito's BOLD predictions:
1. Dan Uggla leads the team in HR with 30. He raises his average at end of year to .240
2. Brian McCann finishes with .320 25-90 and is in top 5 for MVP voting.
3. Jason Heyward gets red-hot in August and finishes with .265 20-70
4. Chipper Jones plays in 40 of the last 70. Finishes with .267 13-65
5. We make a trade for a veteran reliever, and a RH bat (gut is saying Willingham), Prado gets on a roll in August, & the lineup scores .75 more runs/game.
6. We add Moylan and Medlen to the pen. Proctor and Gearrin out. Kimbrel saves 46 games. Venters gets 8.
7. Hanson leads the team with 19 wins, Jurrjens gets 18.
8. Second half record: 41-29. Season record: 95-67. Wild card champs, NL champs, WS champs.
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