Atlanta Braves podcast 38: a game being played that nobody wins

It’s the final podcast of the year – probably – and do you know when we’ll see the Atlanta Braves play again?

2020 was a year and a (short) season that we as Atlanta Braves fans have to be torn about.

We’d love to see a repeat of the awesome offense that took the field — even as key pieces (Acuna, Albies) were injured and missing for notable parts.  But we’d also like to see that over a full schedule while also being able to root for our boys on site at Truist Park.

Sadly, such events are mere speculation at this point, and while the podcast crew talks about the bushel of awards taken home this year by many of the Braves, there’s the reality that some significant holes now exist in this lineup that will have to be filled… and there’s a fair chance one of those ‘fillers’ could be a bat-swinging pitcher.

That leads into comments made by Alex Anthopoulos during an interview on MLB Network Radio from last Thursday morning.  He spoke around some topics, to be sure, but there were also a few nuggets in between that we discuss… including the handling of the DH position that might or might not happen in the National League.

Then there’s That Game … the one being played now between owners and players that is inevitably going to lead to another animosity-filled Winter with threats of Spring Training not starting on time.

Can’t we please find a cooler head or two?  Preferably at least one on each side??

It’s this kind of talk that alienates fans.  On the one hand, we’re supposedly trying (and failing) to reign in the average length of games ‘for the sake of new fans’, but then the owners all but lock the players out until they deign to permit a schedule to be played.

How does that help the sport?

Finally, after searching for a trade to acquire that “big bat” in something not already on the roster, we came around to an idea for unseating Nolan Arenado from his not-so-cozy Denver home.

Would the Rockies take such a deal?  They should, but we’re also not at all convinced that Anthopoulos would offer such a package, either.

So here’s that bargain-basement podcast in its returnable form, suitable for gift-wrapping.  Simply contact Amazon for return instructions (kidding):

If you’d prefer to download it for a later listen, then just use this link instead.

Thanks again for your support of our efforts, and to all of you:  Merry Christmas with a very happy escape from 2020 to follow!