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2019 Pre-Season Report
Owner Goals:
-Play close to .500 ball this season
-Upgrade at Catcher this season
-Acquire a Top Player
-Increase attendance from 24,532 to 33,000
Pre-season prediction: 86-76, 2nd in the NL East
C: Jonathan Lucroy- Not the best defensive catcher in the league, but he handles pitchers very well. He is capable of providing good pop and league average offense.
1B: Freddie Freeman- Perennial MVP candidate and the heart and soul of the Braves.
2B: Ozzie Albies- Ozzie had a monster season last year, and he's still only 22. If he increases his offensive output, then he will be an MVP caliber player.
3B: Johan Camargo- Not the most talented player, but coming off of a solid 2.6 WAR season. He plays solid defense all over the infield and is a plus contributor anywhere.
SS: Dansby Swanson- We're hoping a red-hot September will carry into 2019. He hasn't hit for power yet in his young career, but he's capable of hitting 15-20 home runs as he continues to develop. This could be a make or break year for Dansby.
LF: Ronald Acuna- He didn't play well last year in a short stint - but he's still only 21 and one of the most talented players in the majors. If he starts to tap into his potential, he will be a dynamic player, capable of being dynamic on both sides of the ball.
CF: Ender Inciarte- Had a down year last year by his standards, but his Gold Glove defense gives him a high floor. If the 28-year old can go back to hitting .290+, then he will be a fine asset from the leadoff spot in the order.
RF: Adam Eaton- Does everything well but hit for power. Still, he's an elite fielder, good baserunner, and good contact hitter. Rounds out arguably the best defensive outfield in the National League.
Grade: B
Bench:
C- Kurt Suzuki
3B- Rio Ruiz
IF- Charlie Culberson
OF- Billy McKinney
OF- Ezequiel Carrera
Grade: B-
Rotation:
1. Clayton Kershaw- The absolute best pitcher in baseball who plans on continuing his legacy in Atlanta. Could go down as one of the greatest of all-time.
2. Julio Teheran- Unfortunately, Teheran sustained an elbow injury that will keep him out until June. When he returns, he will fit nicely into the rotation as a solid innings eater.
3. Mike Foltynewicz- It's hard to tell what kind of pitcher Folty is. He's very hold and cold, but he possesses an upper-90's fastball and two plus breaking balls. We're hoping that newly hired pitching coach Chuck Crim can help him harness his stuff.
4. Luiz Gohara- He was elite out of the pen last year before the wheels started to fall off. We're hoping the 22-year old will use his elite fastball-slider combo to succeed as a starting pitcher. Otherwise, he'll profile as a solid reliever.
5. Max Fried- The 25-year old rookie has always had great stuff, including one of the best curveballs around. Sometimes he has mechanical issues and struggles with command. He's got nice upside and we're hoping he can reach it after a good Spring Training.
Grade: C+
Bullpen:
CL- A.J. Minter
SU- Arodys Vizcaino
LHSU- Grant Dayton
LHMR- Rex Brothers
MR- Miguel Socolovich
MR- Riley Ferrell
MR- Jose A. Ramirez
Grade: B-
Down on the Farm:
Top 10 Prospects
1. RHP Kyle Wright AAA (#19 overall): High floor pitcher with a solid four pitch mix. His fastball sits 92-96 and he can command it well. Probably has the upside of a #2 or 3 starter, but is a pretty good bet to reach it soon.
2. RHP Mike Soroka AAA (#54 overall): Another high floor pitcher. He throws in the low-90's and doesn't have any elite pitches, but has plus-plus command. He was limited to 27.2 innings in AA last year, but his plus pitchability has him nearly ML ready at age 21.
3. C Joey Bart AA (#85 overall): Last years #8 overall pick. He has a cannon behind the dish and 25-30 home run potential. His Achilles heel is that he has a long swing and is susceptible to strike outs. Still, he looks the part of a solid major league Catcher.
4. LHP Kolby Allard AAA: Allard is young, throws his fastball in the 92-94 range, and has three plus pitches. However, his fastball is straight and he is prone to getting hit hard. He is a few adjustments away from being a solid lefty starter.
5. LHP Joey Wentz AA: Lefty with plus pitchability who dominated single-A as a 20-year old. He commands his low 90's fastball very well and has a high spin rate curveball. He's probably a few years away from making an impact.
6. RHP Bryse Wilson AA: Doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but can command three pitches and compete. Ceiling of a back of the rotation innings eater.
7. CF Christian Pache AA: Held his own as a 19-year old in high-A. He may never be a great hitter, but is an elite centerfielder with plus-plus speed. Comparable to Ender Inciarte from the right side.
8. 3B Austin Riley AAA: 22-year old 3B that is almost major league ready. Has solid power evidenced by his 29 home runs in Mississippi last year. There's some swing and miss to his game, but there's also 35 home run upside.
9. IF Lency Delgado A: Advanced bat for his age, but behind with the glove. He will likely profile as an average third baseman with good gap-to-gap power.
10. C William Contreras A: Very advanced behind the plate and flashes great defensive tools. His bat is slow to develop, but his glove gives him solid upside.
20th ranked minor league system, but very deep with solid prospects.
Grade: B
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