Atlanta Braves Built to Dominate a Condensed Schedule
By Seth Carter
Relief Pitching
Look, we know the Braves bullpen is bursting at the seams with top-notch pitchers. We have five legitimate closers in the pen.
Mark Melancon has 194 career saves. Will Smith has 48 in the past two years and is coming off of an All-Star season.
On top of leading the Braves in saves last season with 18, Luke Jackson led the Braves in strikeout percentage and FIP.
At the time of the trade mid-way through last year, Chris Martin had assumed the closer’s role in Texas. Shane Greene was an All-Star for the Tigers last season as their closer prior to being traded to Atlanta.
Also, if the Braves choose to take an opener strategy rather than carrying extra starters, having the greatest assembly of clutch warriors since the Fellowship of the Ring was assembled in Rivendell is a huge advantage.
A World Series Ring to bind them.
The Bats on the Bench
I know Freddie Freeman will want to play every inning of every game, even if it means being on the field for eight hours in one day, but these guys are going to need some rest.
We all know about the incredible starting lineup the Braves have, but don’t discount the bench. There are guys that deserve more playing time than it looks like they will receive, here’s their chance to shine.
Outfield
Players like Nick Markakis (shut up, he’s awesome), Adam Duvall, and Ender Inciarte in the outfield. These are all guys deserving of playing time and in this type of condensed season, playing time they will get.
light. Related Story. Why you are underrating Nick Markakis and how to recover
Austin Riley and Johan Camargo also have experience in the outfield. This scrunched schedule will also make it more likely that we see Cristian Pache this season.
Third Base
There will be no debate about Austin Riley or Johan Camargo, we’ll take them both!
Wrestling’s Not FAAAAAKE! And neither is the depth here.