Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Molding Into Champions?

Saw something in the team Friday night that I hadn't seen in several seasons: The Braves' batters feeding off each other, almost trying to outdo one another…hitting the ball hard at bat after at bat. It started Friday night, and I think Joe Simpson even commented on it. Saturday night the cohesiveness was evident when Gattis conferred with Justin Upton and Reed Johnson before clubbing his dramatic go-ahead 8th inning home run. Sunday Atlanta willed itself to win again.

Often seen on championship caliber teams, this feeding frenzy phenomenon is happening despite the presence of a Chipper, Hinske, or Pendleton. Quite interesting that Reed Johnson was in on the pre-home run Gattis conversation. When the season began Reed had T-shirts printed up. He didn't hang one of everyone's locker room chair. Instead he handed a shirt to each player individually, talking to them about the meaning of the shirt. Haven't read anywhere yet about Reed replacing Chipper or Hinske as a team leader, but I'm wondering if that's not what is happening.

More than on his previous home runs, Evan Gattis demonstrated extra enthusiasm on his way around the bases Saturday night. Earlier in the season the White Bear seemed like an talented outlier, but quite fitting in with his teammates though accepted for his talent. Now he is definitely one of the gang. At one time BJ was sitting next to him on the bench, perhaps hoping how of Gattis' magic would rub off on him. When interviewed, Gattis displays both thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. Any thoughts of returning him to the minors for seasoning are long gone. He handles himself so well at the plate and behind the plate (and in leftfield and even first base) even after sitting on the bench for several games. As a pinch hitters he is 3-4.

DOB must continuously remind his Twitter followers that there is no reason to decide now who Beachy will replace in the rotation, since an injury or downturn can occur at any time. With EOF joining Venters in Dr. Andrews' waiting room, the odd man out will surely head to the bullpen. Medlin has pitched better than his statistics have indicated, and has received less run support than anyone in baseball. Maholm could be the odd man out, though his stuff seems suited more to be a starter than reliever. Teheran has pitched well, but could be bumped because he's the youngest. He projects more as a reliever than the others. Time will tell.

One of the added niceties of sweeping Los Angeles is that it silences an obnoxious Dodgers fan I know. Though I did not call him out last night, I was happy to see that others did. One of the benefits of Facebook.

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