Clean Slate
They’ll break my heart in a couple of months, but right now, like every other baseball fan in the country I know my team, the Atlanta Braves, is set to go all the way.
I can prove it:
We have five starting pitchers that based on past performance could be the best rotation in baseball. In games so far they haven’t given up a run in the Grapefruit League. (Of course you have to do a bit of cherry picking of their performances, shake well and hope they all have career years. Then too, one is coming off ligament surgery; I’m sure that won’t be a problem.)
We are deep, deep in the bullpen. (This is leavened by the fact that our new set-up guy and closer are over 40 and the closer is coming off ligament surgery.)
We have a new first baseman that is something like 6’6” and has hit a ton over the years. (Did I mention he’s coming off….)
Chipper Jones, our third baseman is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. (He can’t have another abysmal year like 2009 – it just isn’t possible – he’ll return to All Star form, I’m sure.)
Our 2009 blue-collar outfield is going to out perform itself, aided by a 20 year old future superstar right fielder who’s played about ten games above the AA level.
And the rest of the team that I haven’t mentioned is solid (they really are).
So this could be the year we return to glory. Or not. I’m betting on the under.
6 comments:
You forgot to mention that your manager, Bobby Cox -- who broke in with John McGraw -- is retiring after 147 years at the helm. He will be feted at every stop this season and people will say it's fate or karma for the Braves to give Mr. Cox such a rousing sendoff....
Only to have the heartbreak of loosing to the White Sox in the World Serious... because, after all, this is our year, too. Ozzie Guillen will express regret that he had to be the one to rain on Mr. Cox's farewell party, because he genuinely holds Mr. Cox in high esteem. But he'll get over it.
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I wonder if anyone in Pittsburgh still harbors these delusions....
I was going to point out that you didn't mention Bobby, but Curmudgeon beat me to it!
I follow the Braves every year. My sister lived in Maxeys (near Athens) and her family lives and dies with The Braves.
Curmudgeon and Fermi, I was going to stir in Bobby but I couldn't figure out a way to fit the theme of irrational exuberance and reality.
Realism: I don't think he'll be a factor beyond his past performance which has its supporters and detractors. And the honoring, away stand after away stand could get in the way.
Not sure about Pittsburgh; but, even the Nationals have the kid pitcher what's his name, starts with an S.
So, Thomas, this is our year, tell your sister.
Maybe Bobby can break his record for the number of times he gets himself kicked out for giving the umps the shit they so richly deserve. We as fans expect no less.
I'm always grateful for the stuff I learn on this site.
Scorched Earth, now this thing called baseball.
Wow.
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