It's time to look back at every team from around the MLB and what they showed us during the 60 game sprint!
We are going to explore a few things for each team: Review in-season transactions, what we learned, what we loved, what we didn't love, the most significant need(s), and lastly, the biggest takeaways.
Let's jump over the NL with the Atlanta Braves today. We talked about the Padres, A's, Marlins, Yankee's, Cardinals, Whitesox, Cubs, Twins, Reds, BlueJays, Brewers, Indians, Giants Phillies so far; you can find all posts on the homepage https://www.theballboyblog.com/.
What moves did the Braves make in 2020?
Atlanta Braves placed RHP Mike Soroka on the 60-day injured list. Torn right Achilles tendon.- This move hurt the Braves season long, and we saw in the Playoffs as the Braves were missing their Ace. Soroka was having a great season before the injury, and the injury we saw had a season-long impact.
Baltimore Orioles traded LHP Tommy Milone to Atlanta Braves for Player To Be Named Later and Player To Be Named Later.- Milone did not play well in his 9.2IP. He had a 2.48WHIP and 14.90ERA.
What did we love about the 2020 Braves?
The 35-25 finish, which I shouldn't love because I had them projected to be 40-20, and I think that they would have with Soroka. But overall, the season wasn't too bad going to game seven against the Dodgers in the NLCS. I have been pulling for this for most of the season, and I need it to happen. MVFreeman slashed a .341/.462/.640 with an OPS 1.102 and a team-high 2.9WAR. Marcell Ozuna had an incredible season with 18HR, 56RBI, a slash of .338/.431/.636, an OPS of 1.067, and a 2.3WAR. The NL DH paid off for Ozuna as he has a huge market now. The season for Dansby Swanson slashing .274/.345/.464 and a 2.6WAR. The season for Travis d'Arnaud slashed a .321/.386./533 Lastly, of course, Ronald Acuna Jr, despite the injury, had an excellent season slashing .250/.406/.581. The team's offense was fantastic, slashing .268/.349/.483 and a team .832OPS. To put it simply, this team was elite as an offense. We also loved the season that Max Fried(2.25ERA, 1.03WHIP, 2.9WAR, and 7W) and Ian Anderson( 32.1IP, 1.95ERA, 1.08WHIP, 1.3WAR).
What did we not love about the 2020 Braves?
We did not love that the Braves blew a 3-1 lead in the NLCS. That was tough. On the regular season, we saw the pitching not be great as a unit as they had a team 4.41ERA but only allowed an opponent batting average of .248.
What do I personally not love? I don't love that you aren't using the extra storage space you have in the garage, the shed, the attic, or basement. You could be making money off of it. You could buy 1 $20 storage rack at Lowes and then rent that space out. Do I need to say no more, great! My friends over at Stash-It Self Storage has you covered; use the promo code "YOUNG" when you're done posting to let them know I sent you.
What was the biggest takeaway from the 2020 Braves?
Pitching hurt this team down the stretch and season-long as their SP depth was just not thereafter Soroka went down. Other than that, this team has a potent offense.
What is next for the 2020 Braves in 2021?
With Ozuna, Hamels, Tomlin, O'Day, Sandoval, Markakis, Greene, Flowers, Melancon, Hechavvaria on the Free Agent Market, the Braves have holes to fill. With Wainwright already being linked to the Braves. Ozuna will be uber essential to resign as he was vital to success in 2020.
Thanks for reading today, I am so grateful for your time reading, and I hope you enjoyed reviewing the winners as much as I have. I also want to thank my partners over at Repp Sports for RAZE Energy. Thanks to this clean and sufficient energy, I can have the intense focus to deliver content to you guys consistently. Click here to save 15% right now with the code "BALL BOY" at check out.