Rookies on a Run
Photo Credit: Asma Javed
Jason Heyward is making a name for himself as a power hitter in the NL East.
May 16, 2010 • Cole Nicholson
Filed under Columns
The year 2010 seems promising for the Atlanta Braves after years of turmoil with on and off performances. It appears that this will be the year that the Braves can make their way to the playoffs. After consecutive seasons from the 90’s to the early 00’s, the Braves had won the division titles including a World Series Championship in 1994. The Braves are on their way to redeeming the Bravos spirit with a sturdy and healthy team.
The new rookie, 20-year-old Jason Heyward, is making quite a name for the Braves and himself. The Jay-Hey kid is producing astonishing numbers in both RBI’s (runs batted in) and home runs. His very first at bat as a major league player showed his promising athleticism by hitting a home run. Since that date he has put up high numbers with a .301 batting average, a .613 slugging percentage (extra base hits), and a .431 on base percentage. He also is producing strong defensive plays in right field and Bobby Cox, the manager, has recently moved him up to the second batting spot. Jason Heyward is a power to be reckoned with, especially after his rookie season, in the National League with his strong and fast swing and powerful stance. He can run the bases efficiently and makes smart decisions in the field.
Another young man has entered the Brave organization, Jordan Schafer. He appeared in the first game of the previous season and showed promise until an injury in his hand required surgery and put him out for the season. One of the best defensive players that has ever come through the Braves roster, Jordan Schafer has showed his outstanding understanding of the game and his love for both the Braves and baseball. He has done extensive spring training and has started to increase his numbers down in Rome, Georgia. This weekend he is being sent to Gwinnett for a few games before he can head back to Atlanta next month. He should be able to be implemented into the defense as a center fielder. The current center fielder is Nate McLouth who has been in a slump since the end of last season. He was projected to be the leader of this season but has fallen up short. He still has an extensive resume and will easily fall into left field or be traded for more prospects.
The biggest offensive player for the Atlanta Braves would be Martin Prado. Martin Prado is the lead-off batter and producing some of the best numbers in the Major Leagues. Martin played for the Braves last year as a rookie to the majors and was brought up to replace Chipper Jones once he got injured. Martin now has a permanent position with the baseball team. Martin Prado started off the season with a .424 average, which was a top number in the majors. Although now his average has fallen he is still consistent in his approach and aggressive at the plate. His perfected swing has allowed him to crush the ball and for the first time begin to hit HR’s. Prado serves as both a clutch-hitter and inning starter. His sound defense at second and short allow him to move from position to position and be flexible on defense.
It doesn’t matter how good a team is if they don’t have pitching. The Atlanta Braves have some of the best veteran pitchers as well as new prospects. Tim Hudson is better than ever after his arm surgery over the summer and is leading the team with the lowest ERA (earned run average). Other starters include Tommy Hanson, Kris Medlen, Derek Lowe, and Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves pitchers have some of the lowest ERA but also some of the lowest run support in the Major Leagues. The Braves now have a new light with the addition of Craig Kimbrel, a closer for the Gwinnett Braves. Kimbrel has a fastball that reaches up to 90 mph as well as a wicked curveball and changeup. He recently joined the Braves roster and is expected to pitch in the upcoming Mets series.
The Braves started off the season with a great offense and looked promising when they then lost eight games in a row and fell well below .500. Bobby Cox has reorganized the team since then and brought in the new prospects. With the reorganization of the team, the Braves have just swept the Brewers and Miller Park and proved that they can be in the running in the NL East and defeat the former MLB champions the Philadelphia Phillies for the title.
The Braves won the world series 1995 not 1994.
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