Defense figures to be a strength for Atlanta Braves once again
Corners Covered Too
While the true strength of the Braves’ infield defense is probably up the middle, the glovework at first and third would still be the envy of many other teams in the National League.
True, Freddie Freeman and Josh Donaldson are known more for their capabilities at the plate.
Both, however, maintain track records defensively that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Let’s start with Freeman, who has the “first base stretch” down to an art form at this point.
He’s in the prime of his career, and just coming off a season in which he won Wilson’s Defensive Player of the Year honors among first basemen.
The numbers tell the tale: 12 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2018, best among all NL first basemen. Furthermore, his 24 “scoops” – fifth best among all players at his position – would rival the total number of scoops on a third-grade field trip to an ice cream shop.
There’s also that other little piece of hardware he took home: his first career Gold Glove.
Not bad for a guy who is quickly changing his “bat-first” reputation. Make no mistake about it, Freddie Freeman is one of the most complete players in baseball, and that glove at first is a big part of it.
Then there’s Donaldson.
Sure, the Bringer of Rain has lost a few steps since his heyday as an elite defensive third baseman from 2013-2015, but he’s hardly shabby at the hot corner now.
Even well into his 30s and amidst an injury-riddled 2018, he’s still bringing home a positive DRS (+1 in ’18, +3 in his mostly-healthy ’17) and UZR (1.3 in 2018).
Not great, but not even close to a liability.
You have to think the slower infield of SunTrust Park will definitely play better for Donaldson than the quick turf he played on in Toronto for so long. Playing on the left side of the infield adjacent to Dansby Swanson won’t hurt, either.
Ultimately, there’s this to keep in mind, from first baseman Freddie Freeman on the change in focus for the Atlanta Braves:
"Defense plays such an important part in winning games, and as an organization we had a goal coming into this season (2018) to improve ours. We are thankful for the efforts of our analytics department, and for our coaches who dedicated time to working with us every day to help us get better.”"