The Braves Roll Into Philly

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington breaks down the Braves’ recent surge and previews the big series in Philly this weekend. Feel free to toss in your 2 cents in the comments section below.

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Despite Standings, Braves & Phillies’ Performance Nearly Identical

The Braves lead the NL in ERA (2.94). Not far behind are the Phillies with a 3.03 ERA.

The Braves have scored 4.2 runs per game thus far. The Phillies… 4.6 per game.

The Braves run differential is +38 (third-best in baseball).  The Phillies differential… +41 (second-best)

But the similarities don’t stop there. In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington points out the similarities in the way these two teams have played vs quality teams, the way each team has beaten up on cellar dwellers… and the role schedule strength has played in the early season standings. Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Despite a 4-Game Deficit… Braves Are NL East Favorites

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent reflects on the west coast road trip, compares the Braves to the division rival Phillies & Marlins… and explains why, despite a 4-game deficit, he has not wavered in his belief that the Atlanta will reclaim the NL East this season. Feel free to throw in your 2 cents in the comments section below.

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Atlanta Braves 2011 Season Kickoff

In a special 2011 Braves kickoff Fried Baseball podcast, Kent Covington is joined by sports writer, Bud Ellis, to discuss the Braves, Phillies and the rest of the National League.  Please bear with few technical glitches we experienced during the recording, and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Feel free toss in your 2 cents in the comments section below.

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OPENING DAY VIEWING PARTY TODAY!

Join us for a Braves opening day viewing party at Jocks-N-Jills (Galleria Mall – I-75 & 285 in North Atlanta) this afternoon. Game time is 1pm. 

There is no cost, other than whatever food you purchase. Feel free to drop by unannounced, but it is helpful to figure out how many chairs/tables to string together. So if you’ll email me at [email protected] or message me @FriedBasballATL on Twitter, we’ll be happy to save you a seat.

An Early Look At Spring Training

In his latest Fried Baseball audio blog, Kent Covington reviews the early returns from Braves camp, including Nate McLouth’s hot start. Also… a couple well known national baseball writers warming up to the Braves. Thrown in your 2 cents in the comments section below.

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Understanding Uggla’s Importance

In his latest Fried Baseball audio blog, Kent Covington explains why many are underrating Atlanta’s lineup and the importance of new Braves second-baseman, Dan Uggla, to that lineup.

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Over a 2-month period; roughly 1/3 of the season, the Braves led the NL in scoring. That happened to be the 2-month span during which Troy Glaus hit like the big right-handed, middle-of-order hitter he was hired to be. Coincidence?

Jason Heyward played an important role in Atlanta’s offensive success in May, but really no more so than in April when the Braves were near the NL cellar in runs scored. McCann stepped up his production a bit in May/June, but he was far better in July… when the Braves again had difficultly scoring.

What did the Braves have in May and June that they did not have the rest of the season (a short stretch with a healthy Derek Lee notwithstanding)?

Answer: A big right-handed power bat in the middle of the order.

Sometimes one missing piece can bring an entire lineup together. Remember what the addition of Fred McGriff meant to this Braves team in ’93? In a lineup with several left-handed hitting starters and no notable right-handed power (outside of Glaus), Troy was the key in 2010. When he hit and hit for power, the Braves, who make their home in a pitcher’s park, outscored the Phillies, Reds, Rockies and every other team in the NL. When Glaus struggled, the offense struggled right along with him.

Because of chronic health problems, Glaus was entirely spent by the end of June. But the Braves have now added a big right-handed stick capable of replicating Glaus’ May/June power production over a FULL season in 2011.

That 2-month (May/June) span of last year represented almost exactly 1/3 of the season. Divide Uggla’s ’10 numbers by 3 and here’s what you have: .287, 11 HR, .508 SLG … Compare to Glaus’ in May/June: .285. 12 HR, 521 SLG.

Glaus was the linchpin in the Atlanta lineup last year. Both his success in May/June and his futility throughout the remainder of the season… profoundly affected the rest of the Braves’ lineup. The ripple effects, good or bad, were undeniable.

Dan Uggla is your new linchpin in Atlanta. His impact on the lineup, one way or the other, will be far greater than anything we can measure by his individual stats at the end of the year. A true right-handed power bat was the key ingredient last year. And with yet another lefty (rookie first-baseman, Freddie Freeman) added to the everyday lineup, a righty power threat will remain the most critical cog. But given his remarkable consistency… the Braves’ reliance upon Uggla likely means fans can now look forward to the Braves throwing a lot of crooked numbers on the board over a full season.

How Do the Braves Match Up Against the Phillies Now? Better Than You Think.

The addition of Cliff Lee definitely helps the Phillies’ chances. There’s no denying that fact. And I must tip my cap to the Philly front office for pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat by swiping Lee away from the Rangers and Yanks. BUT… many fans are vastly underselling an Atlanta rotation, which will STILL stand up respectably next to any other starting staff in baseball.  And when bullpens are factored into the pitching equation, barring substantial misfortune, the Braves pitching simply will not be outclassed to any significant degree by ANYONE in 2011.

Today, we size up the two beasts of the NL East… and I’ll give you a few things to chew on that should make you feel better, if you’re a Braves fan.

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I generally make my official season projections late in the spring. But if I had to guess right now, here the numbers I would project for both the Atlanta and Philly starting staffs. Rationale for these expectations explained in audio blog above.

PROJECTED ’11 BRAVES ROTATION:

PROJECTED ’11 PHILLIES ROTATION:

A Look Back on Game-1 & the Airtight Case for Instant Replay

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington reviews game 1 of the NLDS and makes an airtight case for expanded instant replay in Major League Baseball. Throw in your 2 cents in the comments section below.

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Braves “Fried Baseball” NLDS Preview

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington opines on the Wild Card victory won by the Braves in spite of substantial injuries… and previews the upcoming Divisional Series vs the San Fransisco Giants. Throw in your 2 cents in the comment section below.

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Braves Have Missile-Lock On Postseason Baseball

In his most recent “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington breaks down the Braves’ route to the Wild Card and a postseason berth, and peeks ahead at playoff baseball. Throw in your two cents in the comments section below.

UPDATE: With San Diego’s Thursday night loss, Braves magic number is now down to 2.

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The Braves CAN Still Win The NL East

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent explains how the Braves could still edge the Phillies to win the NL East… and laments the frequent presence of Melky Cabrera in the Braves’ starting lineup. Throw in your two cents below!

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Braves Benefit More Than Most from September Call-Ups

In his latest “Fried Baseball” audio blog, Kent Covington looks over the Atlanta Braves’ newest additions with the roster expansion and outlines the potential impact of the September call-ups. Throw in your 2 cents in the comments area below!

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