Jan 29 2009
Braves outfield might not be as bad as you think
By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com
ATLANTA — If you believe the majority opinion of Braves Nation, there aren’t any angels in this team’s outfield as we approach the start of spring training.
No, there has been plenty of moaning and groaning when the eyes of the Braves’ fanbase look beyond the infield. No matter who fills the three outfield spots for the Braves in 2009, there is certain to be a healthy level of criticism. And it’s true: in the court of public opinion, each of these defendants has their flaws:
- Gregor Blanco: Doesn’t get on base consistently enough to use his speed, and strikes out too much.
- Josh Anderson: See above.
- Jordan Schafer: Unproven, as question marks remain following his 50-game suspension for alleged HGH use last season.
- Matt Diaz: Started miserably last season, before missing four months with a major knee injury.
- Omar Infante: More valuable coming off the bench.
- Greg Norton: Not a natural left fielder.
- Jeff Francoeur: Coming off the most rotten season a major-league player could experience.
- Andruw Jones: Puh-leeze!
- Brandon Jones: Will he ever hit enough to earn a roster spot, yet alone stick in the everyday lineup?
It’s a motley assortment of potential, past performance and promise. Those attributes aren’t enough for a team that’s coming off a 72-win season. The hope of tomorrow is scuttled by the evidence of what happened in 2008.
It’s true this bunch could get a tremendous upgrade if the Braves can add a power bat – Adam Dunn may not be affordable today, but his price is dropping with each sunset. But consider me an optimist for a second:
Francoeur has to be better than he was last season. He can’t be any worse.
Blanco and Anderson were rookies last season. And when they did get on base, they were threats to steal with every pitch. Plus, they play great defense.
Schafer, despite missing all that time with his suspension, figures to benefit from playing a full season this time around. He impressed bigtime in limited Grapefruit League action last spring, and there is no denying he’s got the tools to be a big-time player in center.
Diaz, for his disaster of 2008, hit well over .300 in 2006 and 2007.
Infante is more valuable in the infield, but he certainly didn’t embarrass himself in left. Having his bat in the lineup is a plus.
The looking glass for Braves Nation this spring is solely on the outfield. Right now, public perception is all these guys are a bunch of devils. But even if Dunn or another outsider (somebody NOT named Andruw Jones) isn’t brought in for the outfield, there are some angels out there who – if they play up to capabilities – could be the X-factor in leading this team back to the postseason.
—30—
Thank you Bud for finally seeing what I have been seeing. I have been saying that we could be okay without another outfield bat.
I’m expecting Francoeur to have a good year at .275 BA, 25 HR, 95 RBI.
I’m expecting Schafer to win the CF job out of spring training and have a good rookie year.
I’m expecting a good platoon of Diaz and Anderson in LF. Diaz has his struggles against righties. He still hit over .300 last year against lefties.
Sure having Dunn would be nice but it’s not a do or die deal IMO.
If we were to sign Dunn, Francoeur had better bounce back significantly. Dunn and Bad Frenchy hitting 4-5 or 5-6 would be Where Rallies Go To Die. In fact, I’d be tempted to hit Dunn in front of Chipper just to make sure he got some pitches to hit.