The MLB All-Star break provides opportunities for players to be recognized via the All Star Game & Home Run Derby, while also awarding rest for the players who do not participate. This half-way point of the season serves as a time of assessment & reflection for MLB teams too. That’s exactly why I will be evaluating the Braves performance to date within the 2022 season. What’s been going well for them this year? Where are some areas the team could improve upon? How could they possibly improve in these areas? I will answer this & much more in this column.
Overall performance
These Braves have a 56-38 record at the AS break, which is the 5th best record in MLB. Unfortunately, the Mets lead the division with a 56-35 mark, which is the 4th best record in MLB. This means that we are 2 ½ games out of first place in the division as August approaches. We’ve been one of the hottest teams in the league since June 1, with a 33-11 record since then. Our divisional record of 22-14 is pretty stellar, as is our 25-18 record in road games this year. Simply put, it’s just a matter of our team staying competitive with the Mets, catching them, and conquering them in 2022.
Starting rotation
I’m of the opinion that the starting rotation could use some support at the trade deadline. Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Spencer Strider have been stellar all season long; however, Charlie Morton & Ian Anderson have been consistently inconsistent in their pitching performances to date. How long can we afford to wait around for them to finally find their groove & perform? Also, will Strider reach an innings limit at some point? We’re in unfamiliar territory with him. Mike Soroka will be in a similar position, if he makes it back to an MLB mound at all this year. That’s why I believe that it’s imperative that we acquire at least one starter at the trade deadline.
Bullpen
The group formerly known as The Night Shift has performed quite well so far this season. They rank top-5 in bullpen ERA (3.14), saves (34), strikeouts (379), and walks (113) on the year. Kenley Jansen, Will Smith, and crew still give Braves fans heart palpitations despite these stats. Maybe Kirby Yates provides us with some relief once he makes his return from the 60-day IL? Darren O’Day could return in a couple weeks too, though I doubt he’ll be prove very effective. That said, we could certainly use another right-handed reliever to bolster our bullpen for the upcoming stretch run.
Infield
Duct-tape and glue have become the preferred methods for piecing it together at 2nd base, as 39-year old Robinson Cano & utility infielder Orlando Arcia have held down the fort there. Ozzie Albies should make his return at some point in September, we’ve just got to make it there. The rest of the infield is solid, with Matt Olson, Dansby Swanson, & Austin Riley playing daily. That trio has been great at the plate and in the field, and their availability has been top notch too. Depth has been scarce though, and so I wouldn’t rule out us making a trade from outside the organization here.
Outfield
Michael Harris II’s arrival to the club has improved our outfield defense considerably. Having him, Acuna Jr, and either Duvall or Rosario in the lineup most days has been fantastic. Ozuna has been able to play at DH only on those days, which is where he should be slotted in at. Rosario’s return has created a platoon situation with him & Duvall, which could be a good thing. Let’s not forget about Heredia, who energizes the clubhouse & plays great defense in the field. Finding a trade partner for Ozuna & upgrading at DH would also represent idealistic scenarios going forward.
Catching
The Braves continue to have one of the best catching tandems in baseball, with d’Arnaud & Contreras both representing the NL squad at this year’s All Star Game in Los Angeles, CA. This dynamic duo has a combined 63 RBIs, which represents an NL-best mark at the position. Both guys have done well in terms of hitting, catching, DH’ing, and calling games all year long. They’ve been incredible this season, and they will continue thriving so long as they stay healthy. Cheers to them doing just that this year.
Bench
We are well equipped to handle any injuries in the outfield, with a total of 7 players who could play there either as a lineup regular or in a pinch. Catcher is also a position of strength for the team, although Manny Pina’s early season injury has taken away some depth at the position. Our infield depth is sorely lacking, and we could use more quality left-handed bats on the bench. Relying on Robinson Cano as our primary 2nd-baseman is likely a recipe for disaster long-term. Ozzie Albies’ return would provide a huge boost to the club here, but he’s not close at this point. This analysis has shown us that while we’ve got a great team here, there’s still room for improvement across the board. Let’s make some trades, catch the Mets, and make a playoff run!
The Sports Beacon 