1 00:00:21,760 --> 00:00:25,279 Speaker 1: Welcome into another episode of Friar Territory. Here on the 2 00:00:25,280 --> 00:00:28,520 Speaker 1: Foul Territory Network, I'm Kyle Blazer. We have a very 3 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:32,479 Speaker 1: very special show today, crossover edition with Scott Coleman of 4 00:00:32,560 --> 00:00:36,120 Speaker 1: Hammer Territory, to preview the upcoming weekend series between the 5 00:00:36,120 --> 00:00:38,720 Speaker 1: Potters and the Braves. Scott's good to see you again. 6 00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:40,200 Speaker 1: Thanks for joining me tonight. 7 00:00:40,680 --> 00:00:43,440 Speaker 2: Pickle, thanks for having me on. Nice to see you again. 8 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 2: I know we talked a little bit before the season begins, 9 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:49,800 Speaker 2: and you blink and now it's Memorial Day right around 10 00:00:49,800 --> 00:00:52,040 Speaker 2: the corner, and I don't know in my mind that 11 00:00:52,120 --> 00:00:53,519 Speaker 2: kind of signals. 12 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:55,320 Speaker 3: It's no longer early like it's. 13 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:57,840 Speaker 2: Go time for teams, and it's you don't have the 14 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:00,400 Speaker 2: crutch of oh it's early, it's April, it's early May. 15 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:03,720 Speaker 2: It's very much go time. And hopefully this weekend the 16 00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:05,960 Speaker 2: Braves and Padres have a good series ahead of them. 17 00:01:06,160 --> 00:01:09,400 Speaker 1: Absolutely, it's interesting you note how much things have changed 18 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:11,920 Speaker 1: since the beginning of the season. The Padres and Braves 19 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:14,840 Speaker 1: obviously opened up the year against each other. The Padres 20 00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:17,240 Speaker 1: swept the four game series on their way to a 21 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:19,960 Speaker 1: seven to zero start. The Braves then went to La 22 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:22,880 Speaker 1: and lost three more to start the season zh to seven. 23 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:26,440 Speaker 1: Since then, the trajectories of these two teams have more 24 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 1: or less flipped. The Padres were able to push it 25 00:01:29,040 --> 00:01:31,520 Speaker 1: to fifteen and four, but since then it's been a 26 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:34,960 Speaker 1: rough go that's really really crystallized this past week. They 27 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:37,720 Speaker 1: entered the series on a six game losing streak. They've 28 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:39,960 Speaker 1: lost eight of their last ten. The Braves, on the 29 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:43,080 Speaker 1: other hand, started five and thirteen and since then they 30 00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:45,080 Speaker 1: were able to push back over five hundred a few 31 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:47,760 Speaker 1: days ago. They since dropped back under five hundred. They 32 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:50,200 Speaker 1: lost in extra innings against the Nationals in their final 33 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:53,080 Speaker 1: game before heading into the series, But the Braves more 34 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:55,800 Speaker 1: or less have been on the upswing since that opening 35 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:58,760 Speaker 1: week of the season, where the Padres the trajectory has 36 00:01:58,920 --> 00:02:02,040 Speaker 1: mostly been down over the last three weeks or so. 37 00:02:02,160 --> 00:02:04,840 Speaker 1: How would you characterize the state of the Braves right 38 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:06,200 Speaker 1: now going into this series. 39 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:10,720 Speaker 2: It's a great question, and it's funny. After the weekend, 40 00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:13,639 Speaker 2: the Braves won a series in Boston against the Red 41 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:17,200 Speaker 2: Sox that played really well and it kind of felt 42 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:19,480 Speaker 2: like the team was starting to figure some things out. 43 00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:22,040 Speaker 2: You mentioned they had a terrible first week of the year, 44 00:02:22,080 --> 00:02:24,720 Speaker 2: but since then, the Braves, if not the best record 45 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:26,840 Speaker 2: in the National League, had been very close to it, 46 00:02:27,400 --> 00:02:31,360 Speaker 2: and we're seemingly figuring some things out, even without Ronaldcuna junior, 47 00:02:31,680 --> 00:02:35,079 Speaker 2: without Spencer Strider for the most part, Jerks and Profar 48 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:37,720 Speaker 2: has not been on the team because of a bed suspension, 49 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:40,760 Speaker 2: so it is it was hardly a clean runway for 50 00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:44,239 Speaker 2: the team. But then they just lost back to back 51 00:02:44,320 --> 00:02:47,120 Speaker 2: really tough games against the Nationals and they're back below 52 00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:49,680 Speaker 2: five hundred. And I don't know if anybody going into 53 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:53,080 Speaker 2: Memorial Day weekend would tell you objectively, you know, a 54 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 2: game below five hundred with a pretty much zero run differential, 55 00:02:57,560 --> 00:03:01,919 Speaker 2: that's about as average as a gain, no question. 56 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:04,040 Speaker 1: And you mentioned the Braves have had a lot of injuries. 57 00:03:04,160 --> 00:03:06,720 Speaker 1: Ronald Acunea junior, of course, has missed the entire season 58 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:10,480 Speaker 1: so far recovering from his second ACL tear. Spencer Strider, 59 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:13,400 Speaker 1: Starthier On the Al came back got hurt again, Sean 60 00:03:13,480 --> 00:03:15,280 Speaker 1: Murphy missed the start of the year, so the Braves 61 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:17,760 Speaker 1: haven't been fully healthy most of the year, but they're 62 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:20,359 Speaker 1: starting to get there. And the big addition, of course 63 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:23,960 Speaker 1: is Ronald acunyea junior he was scratched from his final 64 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:28,000 Speaker 1: rehab start for Triple A Gwinette. He is reportedly on 65 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:30,560 Speaker 1: his way to Atlanta and set to be activated at 66 00:03:30,600 --> 00:03:32,760 Speaker 1: some point during the weekend. Whether it will be for 67 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:35,720 Speaker 1: the Open or Friday versus Saturday is still to be determined, 68 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:40,840 Speaker 1: but the twenty twenty three nationally MVP is returning to 69 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:44,440 Speaker 1: the Braves lineup. Anytime a guy's coming off of a 70 00:03:44,520 --> 00:03:47,520 Speaker 1: torn acl you understand it might be a little bit 71 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:50,120 Speaker 1: before he gets fully back to form, but at the 72 00:03:50,120 --> 00:03:52,080 Speaker 1: bare minimum, I would imagine this is going to be 73 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:54,400 Speaker 1: a pretty big morale boost, even if it takes him 74 00:03:54,400 --> 00:03:55,840 Speaker 1: a little bit of time to get going on the 75 00:03:55,840 --> 00:03:56,960 Speaker 1: field and get his timing back. 76 00:03:57,760 --> 00:03:59,760 Speaker 3: Oh, it's huge for this Braves team. 77 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:03,360 Speaker 2: And I think Acunya kind of like Fernando Tatis Junior, 78 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 2: just such a dynamic talent and just can change a 79 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:11,240 Speaker 2: game with one swing, one play in the field, one 80 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:13,920 Speaker 2: moment on the base paths, and the Braves have kind 81 00:04:13,960 --> 00:04:16,679 Speaker 2: of lacked that spark, I think in the early going 82 00:04:16,760 --> 00:04:19,880 Speaker 2: of the season, and frankly, they were really lacking it 83 00:04:20,160 --> 00:04:22,840 Speaker 2: last season two when Acuna tore his knee at the 84 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:23,480 Speaker 2: end of May. 85 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:25,679 Speaker 3: So everybody is excited. 86 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:28,919 Speaker 2: The team just announced or confirmed that Acuna will be back. 87 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,520 Speaker 2: I'm sure he's going to get a monstrous round of 88 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:33,880 Speaker 2: applause whenever he steps up for the first time at 89 00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:36,840 Speaker 2: Trust Park over the weekend. And frankly, the Braves need 90 00:04:36,880 --> 00:04:39,679 Speaker 2: Acunya back and he may not be the twenty twenty 91 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:44,280 Speaker 2: three MVP. I think, frankly, that's probably asking too much 92 00:04:44,320 --> 00:04:46,480 Speaker 2: of a guy who has not played in the majors 93 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:49,039 Speaker 2: in a year. But the Braves need him in the 94 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:52,360 Speaker 2: worst way because they have the Padres, they have the Giants, 95 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:54,520 Speaker 2: they have the Diamondbacks, they have the Phillies, they have 96 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:57,360 Speaker 2: the Mets. I think seven of their next eight series 97 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:59,800 Speaker 2: are against teams that are currently in the playoffs or 98 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,480 Speaker 2: on the cusp of it. So let's go time for 99 00:05:02,600 --> 00:05:05,680 Speaker 2: this Braves team and hopefully acun you can give them 100 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:07,560 Speaker 2: a little bit of a spark and kind of get 101 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:08,880 Speaker 2: them back to doing what they want to do. 102 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 3: Offensive. 103 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:12,479 Speaker 1: Yeah, absolutely, and it should be a great matchup. The 104 00:05:12,480 --> 00:05:15,239 Speaker 1: Potters are throwing their three best starters during the series. 105 00:05:15,279 --> 00:05:18,159 Speaker 1: They'll have Nick Pivetta, Michael King and Dylan Cease against 106 00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:20,240 Speaker 1: the Braves lineup that has a Kuoni back for at 107 00:05:20,320 --> 00:05:22,320 Speaker 1: least part of it. It just makes it that much 108 00:05:22,320 --> 00:05:25,760 Speaker 1: more of a marquee matchup Scott. With that, though, the 109 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:29,200 Speaker 1: matchup that is going to be most important from the 110 00:05:29,240 --> 00:05:33,160 Speaker 1: Padres perspective is going to be the Padres hitters versus 111 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:36,479 Speaker 1: the Braves pitchers. The Padres offense has been struggling in 112 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:39,120 Speaker 1: a bad, bad way during this six game losing streak. 113 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:41,680 Speaker 1: They scored one run in each of their three games 114 00:05:41,720 --> 00:05:43,599 Speaker 1: against the Mariners, were then shut out and back to 115 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:46,240 Speaker 1: back games against the Blue Jays. It scored six runs 116 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:48,040 Speaker 1: against the Blue Jays and the finale, but still lost 117 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:51,160 Speaker 1: in extra innings. It has been a rough stretch and 118 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:53,800 Speaker 1: in the opener they'll be facing Chris Sale, who has 119 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:56,240 Speaker 1: returned to his NL Sang Award for him over his 120 00:05:56,279 --> 00:05:58,880 Speaker 1: last five starts two and one with a one point 121 00:05:58,880 --> 00:06:01,840 Speaker 1: seven to two ERA, forty strikeouts against eight walks, and 122 00:06:01,920 --> 00:06:04,080 Speaker 1: thirty one to third innings. What have you been seeing 123 00:06:04,080 --> 00:06:06,200 Speaker 1: from Sale recently? All of these last five starts. 124 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 2: So a couple of things with Sale. So of course 125 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:11,839 Speaker 2: he wins the cy Young a year ago, and it 126 00:06:11,920 --> 00:06:15,320 Speaker 2: was basically smooth sailing the whole way for Sale to 127 00:06:15,400 --> 00:06:17,920 Speaker 2: start this season, and really it started in that series 128 00:06:17,920 --> 00:06:22,080 Speaker 2: in San Diego, Sale was not really finishing his pitches 129 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:24,640 Speaker 2: the way I think he wanted to. He has that 130 00:06:24,880 --> 00:06:27,760 Speaker 2: nasty slider, but he was leaving it up in the zone, 131 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:31,320 Speaker 2: especially on two strike counts, and instead of getting a 132 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:33,720 Speaker 2: strikeout or week contact, he was giving up a lot 133 00:06:33,800 --> 00:06:36,560 Speaker 2: of hits. The fastball command was not as sharp as 134 00:06:36,600 --> 00:06:39,359 Speaker 2: it usually was, and then Sale was also just running 135 00:06:39,400 --> 00:06:42,760 Speaker 2: into some bad luck. He was running the highest batting 136 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:46,240 Speaker 2: average on balls and play by a mile compared to 137 00:06:46,279 --> 00:06:49,240 Speaker 2: the rest of the league, and you know that's something 138 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:52,000 Speaker 2: a lot of the time pitchers can't always control. So 139 00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:54,200 Speaker 2: you mentioned you have the great stat two and one 140 00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:56,840 Speaker 2: one seven to two ERA over his last five starts. 141 00:06:57,080 --> 00:06:58,920 Speaker 2: I think some of that is the luck has kind 142 00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:01,640 Speaker 2: of bounced back in his face. But Sale has also 143 00:07:01,760 --> 00:07:04,640 Speaker 2: really gotten the strikeout ball, working with that slider and 144 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:07,360 Speaker 2: then working the fastball in and out keeping. 145 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:08,040 Speaker 3: Hitters off balance. 146 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:10,440 Speaker 2: And of course, I know you mentioned San Diego has 147 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:13,280 Speaker 2: been fighting it offensively, but I mean from Afar, there's 148 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:16,040 Speaker 2: just so much talent, especially at the top of that lineup, 149 00:07:16,080 --> 00:07:19,360 Speaker 2: and it's really going to push Sale to he better 150 00:07:19,360 --> 00:07:20,880 Speaker 2: be on it or he's gonna pay the price. 151 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:24,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, and that's gonna be the interesting matchup. The Padres 152 00:07:24,520 --> 00:07:26,560 Speaker 1: in general, even when they were going well this year, 153 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:29,880 Speaker 1: they were struggling a little more against high end lefties. 154 00:07:29,880 --> 00:07:32,080 Speaker 1: We saw Shordia Minaga shut them down a few times. 155 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:35,040 Speaker 1: Just in general, the way their lineups constructed, especially some 156 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:37,400 Speaker 1: of the platooning at the bottom of the order. They've 157 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 1: strowed a little bit against lefties. And now that they're 158 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:42,040 Speaker 1: not going well, going in and facing the raining n 159 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:44,560 Speaker 1: El Sang Award winner and potential Hall of Famer, who 160 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:47,400 Speaker 1: is pitching at his best, at least on paper, it's 161 00:07:47,440 --> 00:07:50,040 Speaker 1: not a favorable matchup for the Padres. Then again, there's 162 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,720 Speaker 1: lots of matchups that look favorable or unfavorable on paper 163 00:07:52,920 --> 00:07:54,520 Speaker 1: and then they go completely the opposite way. 164 00:07:54,560 --> 00:07:58,800 Speaker 2: That's baseball, of course. Yeah, yeah, and it's it's Piveta 165 00:07:58,880 --> 00:07:59,760 Speaker 2: pitching for the Padres. 166 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:01,360 Speaker 3: On is that correct? Yes? 167 00:08:01,480 --> 00:08:04,160 Speaker 1: Nick Pivetta is going on Friday, Michael King on Saturday, 168 00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:06,960 Speaker 1: deal and Seas on Sunday. So again, the Potters will 169 00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:09,680 Speaker 1: have their best arms going, but it's gonna be about 170 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:12,240 Speaker 1: their offense because we've seen games with their pitching staff 171 00:08:12,320 --> 00:08:14,800 Speaker 1: does their job, but you can't win if you don't score, 172 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:17,000 Speaker 1: and there's been a lot of times to start departs 173 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:19,360 Speaker 1: it's only a one or two nothing deficit and then 174 00:08:19,920 --> 00:08:21,280 Speaker 1: the offense just can't do anything. 175 00:08:21,800 --> 00:08:25,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, well that's fascinating. And you mentioned Sale being so 176 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:29,160 Speaker 2: good lately. On Saturday, the Braves are gonna throw Grant Holmes, 177 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:33,200 Speaker 2: who has this great story. Was a journeyman for basically 178 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:35,760 Speaker 2: a decade in the Miners, was a former first round pick, 179 00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:38,880 Speaker 2: never worked out, came to Atlanta as a reliever, and 180 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:41,760 Speaker 2: they've converted him to a starter ever since. You know, 181 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:45,160 Speaker 2: Holmes has been really good the first time through the lineup, 182 00:08:45,679 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 2: but the second and third times he's really struggled. So 183 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:52,360 Speaker 2: if you're looking for storylines, can Grant Holmes navigate this 184 00:08:52,640 --> 00:08:55,880 Speaker 2: very talented Padres lineup a second and a third time 185 00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:59,960 Speaker 2: through and then for the second time the season the Padres, 186 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:05,240 Speaker 2: we'll see Spencer Schwallenbach, who it's weird Kyle. He is 187 00:09:05,280 --> 00:09:07,959 Speaker 2: a very unique pitcher in the sense that he's young, 188 00:09:08,160 --> 00:09:10,560 Speaker 2: he's basically been in the majors for a year. He 189 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:15,120 Speaker 2: somehow throws too many stripes. Like usually you see these 190 00:09:15,120 --> 00:09:17,480 Speaker 2: talented kids come up and they have all the nasty 191 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:20,559 Speaker 2: wipeout slider, the big fastball, but they can't throw stripes. 192 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:23,160 Speaker 3: Yep, Schwallenbach has a strike problem. 193 00:09:23,520 --> 00:09:25,960 Speaker 2: He needs to learn how to like waste pitches or 194 00:09:26,040 --> 00:09:28,800 Speaker 2: get hitters to chase out, you know, expand the zone. 195 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:32,720 Speaker 2: It's unique and Schwellenbach has been pretty good for the 196 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:35,600 Speaker 2: most part. He pitched really well in a losing effort 197 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:38,719 Speaker 2: that first weekend in San Diego. I think that was 198 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:41,439 Speaker 2: a one nothing game if memory serves that the Padres won. 199 00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:45,360 Speaker 2: That's another fascinating storyline with Swallenbach. You know he's gonna 200 00:09:45,360 --> 00:09:48,000 Speaker 2: throw strikes. He really doesn't walk many, but sometimes he 201 00:09:48,040 --> 00:09:50,079 Speaker 2: throws too many strikes and then he'll leave an O 202 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:53,040 Speaker 2: two slider in the zone and it gets crushed instead 203 00:09:53,040 --> 00:09:54,920 Speaker 2: of a ball that should have been bounced a foot 204 00:09:54,920 --> 00:09:55,600 Speaker 2: in front of the play. 205 00:09:55,760 --> 00:09:55,960 Speaker 3: Yeah. 206 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:58,800 Speaker 1: Again, very talented arms, six different pitches. I loved him 207 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:00,400 Speaker 1: as a prospect when I was at b and you 208 00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:03,920 Speaker 1: certainly see that ability to be a one, two or three. 209 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:06,400 Speaker 1: But there's something to be said for, you know, pitching 210 00:10:06,559 --> 00:10:08,400 Speaker 1: in and out of the zone, being able to get 211 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:10,360 Speaker 1: a chase out of the zone when you need one, 212 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:13,400 Speaker 1: and sometimes getting too much to plate but the way 213 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:15,560 Speaker 1: the Potter's offense has been performing, he can get as 214 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:17,400 Speaker 1: much of the play as he wants. The Potters just 215 00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:20,040 Speaker 1: haven't been able to capitalize on much of anything. Scott, 216 00:10:20,040 --> 00:10:22,040 Speaker 1: We're going to take a quick break here, a word 217 00:10:22,040 --> 00:10:24,400 Speaker 1: from our sponsors, our friends at Arena Club. Then we're 218 00:10:24,400 --> 00:10:26,680 Speaker 1: going to dive into the state of the Potter's offense 219 00:10:26,679 --> 00:10:29,160 Speaker 1: and exactly where the issues are coming from. Keep it 220 00:10:29,240 --> 00:10:30,560 Speaker 1: right here on Friar Territory. 221 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:33,440 Speaker 4: I just want to say, before Arena Club, if you 222 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:37,640 Speaker 4: were trying to very actively buy sell trade, it was 223 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 4: very complicated and used a lot of mail that was unnecessary. 224 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:42,240 Speaker 2: I don't know I even know how to do it, 225 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:43,959 Speaker 2: but I'm glad we have Arena Club now because it's 226 00:10:43,960 --> 00:10:46,000 Speaker 2: a one stop shop for everything card related. 227 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:48,600 Speaker 4: It is and right now you can get twenty percent 228 00:10:48,679 --> 00:10:51,319 Speaker 4: off your first slab pack or your first card purchase 229 00:10:51,360 --> 00:10:54,880 Speaker 4: by going to Arena club dot com. Slash foul, use 230 00:10:54,960 --> 00:10:58,520 Speaker 4: code foul. If you're a collector, you've got to check 231 00:10:58,520 --> 00:10:59,600 Speaker 4: out Arena Club. 232 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:04,360 Speaker 1: Get after it all right, Welcome back to Friar Territory. 233 00:11:04,440 --> 00:11:08,240 Speaker 1: Kyle Glazer alongside Scott Coleman from Hammer Territory. Scott You 234 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:11,080 Speaker 1: mentioned earlier in the show that this is a very, 235 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:13,800 Speaker 1: very talented top of the Podreys lineup, and there's no 236 00:11:13,920 --> 00:11:16,280 Speaker 1: question that's the case when they are on their game, 237 00:11:16,800 --> 00:11:18,439 Speaker 1: but they haven't been on their game recently. So the 238 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:21,600 Speaker 1: Podreys offense as a whole during this six game losing streak, 239 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,680 Speaker 1: they're batting two toh one As a team. They have 240 00:11:23,720 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 1: a five p fifty two ops, which is the lowest 241 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:28,880 Speaker 1: in the Majors in that timeframe, and they've scored nine 242 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:31,200 Speaker 1: runs in six games, which is also the fewest runs 243 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:34,520 Speaker 1: in baseball in that timeframe. And what's happened is the 244 00:11:34,559 --> 00:11:37,320 Speaker 1: stars at the top of their lineup have gone silent. 245 00:11:37,360 --> 00:11:41,319 Speaker 1: Fernando Tatists, Junior Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are combined 246 00:11:41,559 --> 00:11:46,080 Speaker 1: ten for seventy one during the six game losing streak, batting. 247 00:11:45,760 --> 00:11:47,640 Speaker 3: A combined one one. 248 00:11:48,360 --> 00:11:51,360 Speaker 1: And the biggest issue with this Padres team, and we 249 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:53,640 Speaker 1: knew this coming into the year, was they did not 250 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:55,600 Speaker 1: have a lot of depth. This was going to be 251 00:11:55,640 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 1: a team even more so than other teams who similarly 252 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:01,400 Speaker 1: are top heavy. It was going to be extra pronounced 253 00:12:01,400 --> 00:12:03,880 Speaker 1: for the Padres that they needed their stars to play 254 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:07,440 Speaker 1: like stars and stay healthy. When one of those two 255 00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:10,160 Speaker 1: things don't happen, or both those things don't happen, this 256 00:12:10,280 --> 00:12:13,000 Speaker 1: offense loses all of its juice, and we have seen 257 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:16,719 Speaker 1: that recently. When the Potterys top three stars all goes 258 00:12:16,800 --> 00:12:20,840 Speaker 1: silent at the same time, this offense literally cannot score 259 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:23,880 Speaker 1: again nine runs in six games. Luisa Rise has been 260 00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 1: hitting well, Gavin Sheets has provided some power, but the 261 00:12:27,040 --> 00:12:29,640 Speaker 1: big three need to perform, and they're just not performing. 262 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:31,800 Speaker 1: When you look at the Braves pitching and how they've 263 00:12:31,800 --> 00:12:34,560 Speaker 1: been performing, the starters the bullpen, do you feel like 264 00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:37,400 Speaker 1: they're equipped to continue these struggles for the Potters or 265 00:12:37,720 --> 00:12:39,320 Speaker 1: do you feel like this might be a chance for 266 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:40,760 Speaker 1: the Potterys to break out. 267 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:45,160 Speaker 2: I will say anecdotally, I feel like Bernando Tatis Junior 268 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:48,800 Speaker 2: and Jackson Merrill have just killed the Braves the last 269 00:12:48,880 --> 00:12:52,720 Speaker 2: couple of years, and Tatis had the monster wild Card 270 00:12:52,800 --> 00:12:55,480 Speaker 2: round last year, and I think Jackson Merrill was hitting 271 00:12:55,520 --> 00:12:58,160 Speaker 2: like seven hundred after that first weekend this year. So 272 00:12:58,280 --> 00:13:00,480 Speaker 2: maybe the Braves are what the pod or his need 273 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:02,840 Speaker 2: to kind of get out of this funk from Afar. 274 00:13:03,040 --> 00:13:05,560 Speaker 3: Those numbers are shocking, that's you know. 275 00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:08,360 Speaker 2: I feel like San Diego's top four, top five are 276 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:09,839 Speaker 2: as good as anybody's. 277 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,120 Speaker 3: In the league. So we'll see. 278 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:14,240 Speaker 2: I mean, Sale is really rolling right now. We talked 279 00:13:14,240 --> 00:13:18,319 Speaker 2: about Holmes and his limitations and strength and Sam Schwallenbach. 280 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,440 Speaker 2: Now I will say the Braves bullpen this year, after 281 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:23,920 Speaker 2: a couple of years of having a terrific bullpen, has 282 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:25,760 Speaker 2: really struggled at times. 283 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:27,160 Speaker 3: On the whole. 284 00:13:27,200 --> 00:13:30,560 Speaker 2: Their numbers are okay, especially after a pretty rocky start, 285 00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:33,280 Speaker 2: but this is a bullpen you can get to, so 286 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:35,959 Speaker 2: that's another opportunity if if San Diego can't get to 287 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:39,360 Speaker 2: the Brave starters, there are some opportunities later in the 288 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:42,559 Speaker 2: games to get those bats going. And you know, I'll 289 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:45,600 Speaker 2: say too, you mentioned the Padre struggling. It's probably music 290 00:13:45,640 --> 00:13:48,200 Speaker 2: to your listener's ears. The Braves have really struggled to 291 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:51,640 Speaker 2: score too. This offense, despite the names and the talent, 292 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:54,840 Speaker 2: has been painful at times. I think they're in the 293 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,680 Speaker 2: bottom third in the National League and just runs scored. 294 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 2: There was a point last week where the March and 295 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:04,520 Speaker 2: the Nationals had both scored more runs in the Atlanta Braves. 296 00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:08,360 Speaker 2: That's kind of impossible, right, And the reason the Braves 297 00:14:08,400 --> 00:14:10,560 Speaker 2: are five hundred is because the pitching has been really 298 00:14:10,559 --> 00:14:13,400 Speaker 2: good more times than not. But still, I mean, this 299 00:14:13,440 --> 00:14:15,440 Speaker 2: is not if you had to ask me with a 300 00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:18,040 Speaker 2: crystal ball, I don't foresee a bunch of ten to 301 00:14:18,080 --> 00:14:21,360 Speaker 2: eight baseball games. I'm guessing we're probably, especially with the 302 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:24,000 Speaker 2: pitching matchups, gonna see a lot more of the three 303 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:28,280 Speaker 2: to two variety than the big numbers, crooked numbers multiple 304 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:28,800 Speaker 2: times a night. 305 00:14:29,520 --> 00:14:32,280 Speaker 1: And I think it's important too, whenever you're focusing on 306 00:14:32,320 --> 00:14:34,480 Speaker 1: this one team, it can seem like your team has 307 00:14:34,520 --> 00:14:36,840 Speaker 1: happened the worst time of anyone. The Mets have a 308 00:14:36,840 --> 00:14:38,920 Speaker 1: lineup with a lot of big names. They've been struggling 309 00:14:38,960 --> 00:14:41,600 Speaker 1: to score recently. You mentioned the Braves again. You look 310 00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:44,160 Speaker 1: at this lineup, even with Ronald Acuna Junior injured, even 311 00:14:44,200 --> 00:14:45,880 Speaker 1: with Sean Murphy out earlier in the year, you still 312 00:14:45,920 --> 00:14:49,200 Speaker 1: see Austin Riley and Ozzie Alvis and Maddalson and Michael Harrison, 313 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:52,200 Speaker 1: so many guys who we've seen change games over the 314 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:55,160 Speaker 1: course of their careers many times over What has been 315 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,360 Speaker 1: the Braves' primary issue on offense? 316 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:00,920 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, there's so much talent in name recognition 317 00:15:01,040 --> 00:15:03,680 Speaker 2: this Braves lineup, but a couple of things probably come 318 00:15:03,680 --> 00:15:07,280 Speaker 2: to mind. They've really struggled with runners in scoring position 319 00:15:07,400 --> 00:15:10,480 Speaker 2: this year. Their numbers with runners on base and in 320 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:14,240 Speaker 2: high leverage spots has really been bad this year. It's 321 00:15:14,280 --> 00:15:16,600 Speaker 2: gotten a little bit better since the start of the season, 322 00:15:16,680 --> 00:15:20,080 Speaker 2: but lately it's just, man, it's frustrating every night. It 323 00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:22,640 Speaker 2: feels like they have a lot of runners left on base, 324 00:15:23,680 --> 00:15:26,840 Speaker 2: and then just they have guys underperforming too. You know, 325 00:15:28,120 --> 00:15:31,240 Speaker 2: Austin Reiley has been fine, but not the all star 326 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:34,360 Speaker 2: level third baseman that we have seen. Michael Harris and 327 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:38,000 Speaker 2: Ossy Alby's both have an OPS of about six hundred 328 00:15:38,320 --> 00:15:42,200 Speaker 2: right now, which is kind of crazy. I think Michael 329 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:44,720 Speaker 2: Harris figures it out, but Ossi Alby's just doesn't look 330 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:48,760 Speaker 2: great right now. Matt Olson had kind of a slower 331 00:15:48,800 --> 00:15:51,360 Speaker 2: start to the year, but Matt Olsen has picked it up. Really, 332 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:53,840 Speaker 2: the two hitters all year long who have been really 333 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:57,080 Speaker 2: good for the Braves Marcelo Zuna, who continues to do 334 00:15:57,120 --> 00:16:00,480 Speaker 2: it into his mid thirties, and then Drake Baldwoin, who 335 00:16:00,520 --> 00:16:02,720 Speaker 2: is a rookie catcher who has kind of taken the 336 00:16:02,760 --> 00:16:07,120 Speaker 2: league by storm. Has just been incredible for the team, 337 00:16:07,520 --> 00:16:10,840 Speaker 2: and Baldwin is rotating basically every other day with Sean Murphy, 338 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:14,320 Speaker 2: who's also done a good job offensively. But again, it 339 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:16,000 Speaker 2: kind of gets back to what we said off the top. 340 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:19,280 Speaker 2: This team really needs Akunya in his bat at the 341 00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:22,160 Speaker 2: top of the order, and hopefully that kind of energizes 342 00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:24,600 Speaker 2: and keeps the line moving the way it frankly just 343 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:25,840 Speaker 2: has not done enough. 344 00:16:25,680 --> 00:16:26,440 Speaker 3: Early in the year. 345 00:16:26,960 --> 00:16:29,120 Speaker 1: Now, there's definitely a lot of parallels between these two teams. 346 00:16:29,160 --> 00:16:32,160 Speaker 1: The starting rotation is mostly doing its job. The lineup 347 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:34,520 Speaker 1: has been a little bit sketchy, especially of late. You 348 00:16:34,560 --> 00:16:37,080 Speaker 1: mentioned the bullpen. We saw that during the opening series. 349 00:16:37,320 --> 00:16:39,680 Speaker 1: The Briggs bullpen lost a few of those games. Hector 350 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:41,880 Speaker 1: Naris coming in giving up a game winning home run 351 00:16:41,880 --> 00:16:44,600 Speaker 1: to Gavin Sheets. He was quickly defaded. Is no longer 352 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:46,640 Speaker 1: with the team as now a member of the Angels. 353 00:16:46,920 --> 00:16:50,120 Speaker 1: The Podres bullpen was dominant early. They relinquished a league 354 00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:53,160 Speaker 1: just one time. In the first thirty four games, they 355 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,760 Speaker 1: had an ERA around one and a half, almost a 356 00:16:55,880 --> 00:16:58,120 Speaker 1: run better than the next best bullpen in the league, 357 00:16:58,800 --> 00:17:01,240 Speaker 1: and then things have fallen off off recently. They've blown 358 00:17:01,240 --> 00:17:04,240 Speaker 1: a lead now in five of the last fourteen games 359 00:17:04,240 --> 00:17:07,359 Speaker 1: they've played, and that includes the finale against the Blue Jays, 360 00:17:07,440 --> 00:17:10,480 Speaker 1: blowing leads they inherited in both the tenth and eleventh 361 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:13,959 Speaker 1: innings and a brutal extra inning loss. So Potter's bullpen 362 00:17:14,320 --> 00:17:16,600 Speaker 1: was dominant is not the case? Now you mentioned the 363 00:17:16,600 --> 00:17:20,159 Speaker 1: Braves bullpen can be gotten to a little bit. How 364 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:22,480 Speaker 1: would you assess it overall? Right now? Who are the 365 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:24,679 Speaker 1: players who are pitching well? Who are not pitching well? 366 00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:26,320 Speaker 1: Who are some of the guys that maybe the Potters 367 00:17:26,359 --> 00:17:27,240 Speaker 1: could take advantage of? 368 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:31,119 Speaker 2: So I think it all starts with Riyce Ellaglesias, who 369 00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:35,199 Speaker 2: is the Braves closer. Iglesias has really really struggled in 370 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:39,359 Speaker 2: the early going. Now there are some he's pitched better lately, 371 00:17:39,520 --> 00:17:42,119 Speaker 2: but the last couple of years since Iglesias came to 372 00:17:42,160 --> 00:17:45,400 Speaker 2: Atlanta and really his whole career, this guy has been 373 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:48,320 Speaker 2: one of the better ninth inning closers in all of baseball. 374 00:17:48,359 --> 00:17:52,080 Speaker 2: Oh yeah, he's been really shaky this year. So that's 375 00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:54,600 Speaker 2: been something. The Braves have lost some games close late 376 00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:57,679 Speaker 2: because of Iglesias. And you know, the one kind of 377 00:17:57,760 --> 00:18:00,600 Speaker 2: probably biggest under the radar loss for this Braves team 378 00:18:00,640 --> 00:18:03,960 Speaker 2: that lost Max Freed in the offseason and Charlie Morton 379 00:18:03,960 --> 00:18:07,280 Speaker 2: and Travis Darnault was not necessarily a player leaving, but 380 00:18:07,359 --> 00:18:11,960 Speaker 2: a player who got hurt. And Joe Jimenez was arguably 381 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 2: the best setup man in baseball last year, big fastball, 382 00:18:15,960 --> 00:18:19,399 Speaker 2: nasty slider, and Jimenez had a routine or what we 383 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:22,920 Speaker 2: thought was routine cleanup procedure in his knee and he's 384 00:18:22,960 --> 00:18:26,160 Speaker 2: now going to miss basically the entire year. I think 385 00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:28,880 Speaker 2: that was something that really maybe the fan base didn't 386 00:18:28,960 --> 00:18:31,560 Speaker 2: fully appreciate just how big of a loss that was, 387 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:33,760 Speaker 2: because the eighth and nineth didning for the Braves last 388 00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:36,760 Speaker 2: year was basically automatic and it has been anything. But 389 00:18:37,680 --> 00:18:40,159 Speaker 2: they do have some other guys who have some name recognition. 390 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:42,760 Speaker 2: Aaron Bummer is a lefty who's been around the game 391 00:18:42,800 --> 00:18:46,760 Speaker 2: for a long time. Bummer's stuff is his velocity is down, 392 00:18:46,880 --> 00:18:50,880 Speaker 2: and he just hasn't been great this year. Dylan Lee 393 00:18:51,160 --> 00:18:53,119 Speaker 2: has been around for a while. Lee is fine as 394 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:56,560 Speaker 2: a lefty. Pierce Johnson used to be in the NL 395 00:18:56,560 --> 00:18:58,840 Speaker 2: West if that name's familiar with the Rockies and has 396 00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:02,600 Speaker 2: bounced around. Pierce has been pretty good for the Braves 397 00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:03,000 Speaker 2: this year. 398 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:04,520 Speaker 3: But actually Padre. 399 00:19:04,320 --> 00:19:07,240 Speaker 1: Too Robbery who brought him back over from Asia. 400 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:08,199 Speaker 3: There you go. 401 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:11,480 Speaker 2: Well, yeah, so it's full circle for Pierce. You know, 402 00:19:11,520 --> 00:19:14,920 Speaker 2: he's probably been the most reliable reliever for Atlanta this year. 403 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:17,280 Speaker 2: And then they have a couple other arms who I 404 00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:19,240 Speaker 2: think fans just kind of hold their breath and close 405 00:19:19,320 --> 00:19:22,040 Speaker 2: their eyes when they come in. And it's funny, Kyle, 406 00:19:22,080 --> 00:19:25,199 Speaker 2: you talk about the Padres woes offensively, the Braves have 407 00:19:25,280 --> 00:19:26,040 Speaker 2: their own woes. 408 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:28,160 Speaker 3: It sounds like it's been maybe. 409 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:31,960 Speaker 2: A inconsistent pitching staff is maybe a fair kit. These 410 00:19:31,960 --> 00:19:35,200 Speaker 2: two teams sound really similar to each other. I think 411 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:37,480 Speaker 2: the big difference is one of them started out seven 412 00:19:37,520 --> 00:19:39,639 Speaker 2: to zero and one of them started out oho and seven. 413 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:43,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, definitely peaking at different times, no question about it. 414 00:19:43,440 --> 00:19:46,040 Speaker 1: One final thing I'm going to be watching this weekend. 415 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:49,600 Speaker 1: During that opening series, the Potters ran wild against the Braves. 416 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:52,520 Speaker 1: They stole nine bases against them in that four game series. 417 00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:55,840 Speaker 1: Five in the opener alone. The Potters have not been 418 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:59,159 Speaker 1: running anywhere nearest frequently. They stole twenty three bases in 419 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:03,000 Speaker 1: their first fifteen games. Since then, they've stolen only thirteen 420 00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:06,240 Speaker 1: bases the entire other thirty plus games, So they're not 421 00:20:06,359 --> 00:20:09,080 Speaker 1: running wild like they used to. That said, it is 422 00:20:09,119 --> 00:20:11,720 Speaker 1: a tool they have in their toolkit. Have the Braves 423 00:20:11,760 --> 00:20:14,439 Speaker 1: improve their ability to control the run game since that 424 00:20:14,520 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 1: season opening series? 425 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:19,280 Speaker 2: They have, And the way the Padres ran on the 426 00:20:19,320 --> 00:20:23,720 Speaker 2: Braves opening weekend was shocking, Like everybody was looking around 427 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:27,239 Speaker 2: like how like did the Braves forget they need to 428 00:20:27,280 --> 00:20:30,439 Speaker 2: like look over at first base and throw over or 429 00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:31,920 Speaker 2: step off or change up. 430 00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:34,280 Speaker 3: Your timing on the pitchclock. It was bizarre. 431 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:38,040 Speaker 2: It has calmed down significantly. I think the pitching staff 432 00:20:38,080 --> 00:20:40,960 Speaker 2: has done a better job and both Sean Murphy who 433 00:20:41,040 --> 00:20:44,840 Speaker 2: was out that first weekend and Drake Bold winner behind 434 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:47,480 Speaker 2: the plate in throwing runners out. But I think a 435 00:20:47,560 --> 00:20:49,679 Speaker 2: lot of that was just on the pitching staff, just 436 00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:53,040 Speaker 2: almost forgetting to consider the run game. And it felt 437 00:20:53,080 --> 00:20:54,840 Speaker 2: like the Padres would get a walk and then they 438 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:56,439 Speaker 2: would steal second, and then they would get a hit 439 00:20:56,440 --> 00:20:57,280 Speaker 2: and a run would come in. 440 00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:01,320 Speaker 3: That was a real formula for San Diego that first weekend. 441 00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:03,680 Speaker 1: It was a real formula for them really the first 442 00:21:03,760 --> 00:21:06,280 Speaker 1: three weeks. And then they've stopped running and it's all 443 00:21:06,320 --> 00:21:09,000 Speaker 1: gone downhill from there. So I'll be very curious to 444 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,760 Speaker 1: see if they try and pick it back up or if, 445 00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:13,080 Speaker 1: like you said, the Braves have made such stark improvements 446 00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:15,480 Speaker 1: that the Potters just don't even try it again. Half 447 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:17,320 Speaker 1: the battle is getting on base, which is same they've 448 00:21:17,320 --> 00:21:20,640 Speaker 1: really struggled with recently. All right, Scott, there's one final thing. 449 00:21:20,680 --> 00:21:22,199 Speaker 1: I want to go back in the time machine and 450 00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:25,320 Speaker 1: talk about Braves prospects when I was at Baseball America 451 00:21:25,359 --> 00:21:28,080 Speaker 1: and relived some some very fun moments I had with 452 00:21:28,520 --> 00:21:31,040 Speaker 1: Braves and Braves Twitter during those years. Going to take 453 00:21:31,040 --> 00:21:32,800 Speaker 1: a quick break here, a word from our sponsors, and 454 00:21:32,800 --> 00:21:34,960 Speaker 1: then we'll jump right into that ft fam. 455 00:21:35,040 --> 00:21:38,520 Speaker 4: Let's talk about the HOF app. If you're into parlays 456 00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:41,560 Speaker 4: but sometimes you're missing the mark more than you would 457 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:45,680 Speaker 4: like to? Can I introduce you to some serious analytics 458 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:48,880 Speaker 4: on an app that is easy to read and comprehend. 459 00:21:49,119 --> 00:21:51,120 Speaker 4: And I'm sitting next to a man who knows how 460 00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:52,560 Speaker 4: to place a parlay. 461 00:21:52,720 --> 00:21:55,560 Speaker 5: Yeah, and the biggest thing is breaking down a parlay. 462 00:21:55,680 --> 00:21:58,080 Speaker 5: With this Hall of Fame app, there's the situations that 463 00:21:58,160 --> 00:22:01,160 Speaker 5: you'll be you'll find easier to do. It's very helpful 464 00:22:01,200 --> 00:22:05,400 Speaker 5: and understanding. And if you like, you know, gambling, sometimes 465 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:07,200 Speaker 5: this is really good to know. So get on there, 466 00:22:07,280 --> 00:22:09,040 Speaker 5: get on that Hall of Fame app and check it out. 467 00:22:09,119 --> 00:22:11,000 Speaker 4: Yeah, this is info that will help you. 468 00:22:11,160 --> 00:22:11,560 Speaker 1: Okay. 469 00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:13,680 Speaker 4: With a four point nine rating in the app Store 470 00:22:13,720 --> 00:22:15,840 Speaker 4: and over six thousand and five star reviews, safe to 471 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:18,360 Speaker 4: say that HOF has already helped a lot of people 472 00:22:18,760 --> 00:22:22,800 Speaker 4: that smarter. For a limited time only, FT listeners can 473 00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:25,760 Speaker 4: get a seven day free trial and fifty percent off 474 00:22:25,840 --> 00:22:28,800 Speaker 4: their first month when they use code foul at checkout. 475 00:22:29,119 --> 00:22:33,240 Speaker 4: Download the HOF app on iOS or Android, Enter code 476 00:22:33,280 --> 00:22:34,480 Speaker 4: foul and you're all set. 477 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:39,280 Speaker 1: Welcome back to Friar Territory. Kyle Glazer alongside Scott Coleman. 478 00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:42,159 Speaker 1: All right, Scott. Back at the end of last decade 479 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:45,160 Speaker 1: and I was at Baseball America doing all the prospect rankings. 480 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:47,320 Speaker 1: The Braves were our number one farm system back to 481 00:22:47,359 --> 00:22:49,440 Speaker 1: back years. The Potters were a number one farm system 482 00:22:49,480 --> 00:22:52,440 Speaker 1: in twenty nineteen, and those really strong farm systems helped 483 00:22:52,560 --> 00:22:54,960 Speaker 1: fuel their success. The Braves, of course, winning the World 484 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:58,640 Speaker 1: Series in twenty twenty one, becoming the perennial NLS contender 485 00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:01,879 Speaker 1: that they are and really World Series contender many many years, 486 00:23:02,080 --> 00:23:04,560 Speaker 1: the Potters reaching the postseason three times in the last 487 00:23:04,600 --> 00:23:07,960 Speaker 1: five years, winning a playoff series each time. It's a 488 00:23:07,960 --> 00:23:10,119 Speaker 1: fun time. And I want to go back to some 489 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:11,800 Speaker 1: of those players that we're in the Brave system that 490 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:14,720 Speaker 1: are now starving for them, Austin Riley, Assi Albi's, Ronaldo Kuni, 491 00:23:14,760 --> 00:23:15,160 Speaker 1: et cetera. 492 00:23:15,720 --> 00:23:16,360 Speaker 3: Whenever you have. 493 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:19,320 Speaker 1: Prospects, you have these high expectations for them. Sometimes even 494 00:23:19,359 --> 00:23:22,280 Speaker 1: when guys don't meet expectations, they can still be good players, 495 00:23:22,280 --> 00:23:24,960 Speaker 1: but they're almost seen as disappointments, which is kind of 496 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:28,600 Speaker 1: silly when you look back at that those Braves farm 497 00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:31,960 Speaker 1: systems again, Akunya Riley, al Bees. You know Max Freed 498 00:23:32,040 --> 00:23:34,600 Speaker 1: is a big part of this as well. How are 499 00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:38,239 Speaker 1: those guys viewed within the Brave's ecosystem right now? Are 500 00:23:38,240 --> 00:23:40,040 Speaker 1: they viewed as guys like, yeah, they lived up to it, 501 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:42,359 Speaker 1: or are they somehow viewed as almost are any of 502 00:23:42,359 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 1: them views disappointments despite actually having decent careers. 503 00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:48,199 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's a great question, and you know the answer 504 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:49,520 Speaker 2: probably depends. 505 00:23:49,119 --> 00:23:51,240 Speaker 3: On who you ask. Yeah. 506 00:23:51,359 --> 00:23:55,400 Speaker 2: In terms of a rebuild, the Braves got a ninety. 507 00:23:55,119 --> 00:23:57,840 Speaker 3: Ninth percentile rebuild. Oh yes. 508 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:01,360 Speaker 2: And what's funny about rebuild is you think about all 509 00:24:01,400 --> 00:24:04,560 Speaker 2: the moves, the wheeling and dealing that John Coppoela and 510 00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:08,520 Speaker 2: John Hart did, and of all the trades, you think, Okay, 511 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:11,120 Speaker 2: this trade made sense, this trade made sense, this one 512 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,480 Speaker 2: immediately paid off, this one didn't. But then you think 513 00:24:13,480 --> 00:24:17,080 Speaker 2: about a deal like the one that sent Craig Kimbrel. 514 00:24:16,640 --> 00:24:17,520 Speaker 3: To the Padres. 515 00:24:18,040 --> 00:24:20,679 Speaker 2: Well, the return for that wasn't anything special that the 516 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:24,440 Speaker 2: prospects involved, but the Braves got a draft pick which 517 00:24:24,480 --> 00:24:28,240 Speaker 2: turned into Austin Riley, who has been comfortably a top 518 00:24:28,280 --> 00:24:30,119 Speaker 2: three third basement in the game for a couple of 519 00:24:30,160 --> 00:24:35,000 Speaker 2: years now. So it's funny how rebelds work. And sometimes 520 00:24:35,040 --> 00:24:37,679 Speaker 2: the highest most touted players you never hear from, and 521 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:41,680 Speaker 2: sometimes guys who were prospects but not top tier players 522 00:24:41,680 --> 00:24:44,959 Speaker 2: by any means, end up having a great impact. So 523 00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:48,480 Speaker 2: you know, you look at like Ronaldccuna Junior, for example, 524 00:24:48,560 --> 00:24:51,240 Speaker 2: signed for a minimal dollar amount. 525 00:24:51,040 --> 00:24:53,520 Speaker 1: One hundred thousand dollars, and he was going to sign 526 00:24:53,600 --> 00:24:55,960 Speaker 1: with the Royals for even less until the Braves called 527 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:58,359 Speaker 1: him on the last day. I actually wrote that feature 528 00:24:58,400 --> 00:24:59,600 Speaker 1: when he was the minor league player of the aar for 529 00:24:59,680 --> 00:25:02,320 Speaker 1: us be and I was the one who broke that story. Again, 530 00:25:02,359 --> 00:25:03,800 Speaker 1: it's crazy to think he was going to sign for 531 00:25:03,840 --> 00:25:05,800 Speaker 1: even less than one hundred K and the Braves came 532 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:07,280 Speaker 1: back to last minute and gave it to him. 533 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:08,080 Speaker 3: It's amazing. 534 00:25:08,119 --> 00:25:10,720 Speaker 2: And then how many kids do we see get million dollars, 535 00:25:10,760 --> 00:25:13,200 Speaker 2: two million dollars, three million dollars. They don't even get 536 00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:14,280 Speaker 2: above double a ball. 537 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:17,600 Speaker 1: It's Braves Fans know it well. Kevin Myton I can 538 00:25:17,640 --> 00:25:20,159 Speaker 1: talk about for a long, long long time seeing him 539 00:25:20,200 --> 00:25:23,240 Speaker 1: and Danville and knowing right away that this was a problem. 540 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:26,199 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, it's you know, and it's look, it is 541 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:28,080 Speaker 2: so I don't have to tell you. It is so 542 00:25:28,440 --> 00:25:34,000 Speaker 2: hard to identify, draft, sign, develop and then sustain that 543 00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:36,520 Speaker 2: talent at the major league level. But you know, there 544 00:25:36,600 --> 00:25:39,800 Speaker 2: was a once upon a time with the Braves system. 545 00:25:40,040 --> 00:25:42,520 Speaker 2: I think it was at the conclusion of twenty sixteen 546 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:45,600 Speaker 2: going into seventeen, and you looked at their top prospect 547 00:25:45,640 --> 00:25:48,760 Speaker 2: list and it has to be one of the greatest 548 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:52,800 Speaker 2: collections of minor league talent in the history of baseball. 549 00:25:53,240 --> 00:25:59,000 Speaker 2: A Kunya Freed, All Bees, Riley Dansby Swanson. You know, 550 00:26:00,119 --> 00:26:03,119 Speaker 2: even Dansby Swanson, who was the first pick, maybe not 551 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:07,000 Speaker 2: like a superstar shortstop, never emerged as like your Fernando 552 00:26:07,040 --> 00:26:11,000 Speaker 2: Tatis juniors or your Carlos Korea, super high ceiling types, 553 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:14,000 Speaker 2: but a really good shortstop for almost a decade. Now 554 00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:16,560 Speaker 2: it's you know, looking back on it. 555 00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:18,200 Speaker 3: I'm it blows my mind. 556 00:26:18,280 --> 00:26:20,240 Speaker 2: The Braves were able to come out of that rebuild 557 00:26:20,280 --> 00:26:23,320 Speaker 2: in three years so strong, able to win a World 558 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:27,199 Speaker 2: Series and now you know, it's funny. Ozzie Albis is 559 00:26:27,240 --> 00:26:29,600 Speaker 2: the longest tenured Brave at this point, and in my 560 00:26:29,680 --> 00:26:31,840 Speaker 2: mind he's still like twenty three years old and a 561 00:26:31,920 --> 00:26:35,640 Speaker 2: kid coming up for the first time. So it's you know, obviously, 562 00:26:35,680 --> 00:26:38,639 Speaker 2: when you're losing one hundred games a year and rebuilding, 563 00:26:38,760 --> 00:26:43,240 Speaker 2: it is not fun. John Coppolela did an all time interview, 564 00:26:43,280 --> 00:26:46,480 Speaker 2: the former Braves general manager with I Forget Who, and 565 00:26:46,560 --> 00:26:49,760 Speaker 2: he said, the reason people don't rebuild is because it 566 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:53,240 Speaker 2: is leaping miserable every single day. 567 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:55,199 Speaker 3: Yes, no question about it. 568 00:26:55,200 --> 00:26:57,480 Speaker 1: It's interesting because the Potter is rebuilt shortly after the 569 00:26:57,480 --> 00:26:59,800 Speaker 1: Braves did. And look, these two teams exchanged a lot 570 00:26:59,800 --> 00:27:02,160 Speaker 1: of time talent. You mentioned the Craig Kimberl trade. There's 571 00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:04,640 Speaker 1: also Justin Upton trade, which is how Max Frieda being 572 00:27:04,640 --> 00:27:08,239 Speaker 1: a member of the Braves. It's interesting because these two 573 00:27:08,280 --> 00:27:13,040 Speaker 1: teams took different approaches. The Braves brought up most of 574 00:27:13,040 --> 00:27:16,399 Speaker 1: their homegrown talent to the majors, got them established, and 575 00:27:16,440 --> 00:27:18,919 Speaker 1: then traded the quote unquote leftovers to go get your 576 00:27:18,960 --> 00:27:21,520 Speaker 1: metals and to go get your Sean Murphy. But the 577 00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:24,960 Speaker 1: core was homegrown guys they brought to the majors. Again, 578 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:28,919 Speaker 1: you mentioned Riley Akunya, all be Swanson freed at the 579 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:31,719 Speaker 1: freedom the rotation. Even some guys who have since peered out, 580 00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:34,240 Speaker 1: like Ian Anderson. We all know he's pitched five no 581 00:27:34,320 --> 00:27:36,440 Speaker 1: hit innings in the World Series. That was a YouTube 582 00:27:36,480 --> 00:27:38,959 Speaker 1: boost for them. I covered that one. And then you 583 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:43,080 Speaker 1: also have some guys though, like the Pandres, where most 584 00:27:43,080 --> 00:27:46,000 Speaker 1: of their best players that they draft and developed are 585 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:49,200 Speaker 1: doing so for other teams because they traded away most 586 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:52,560 Speaker 1: of that homegrown talent. You look around the league, you 587 00:27:52,600 --> 00:27:55,600 Speaker 1: know you have Andris Mundo's in Seattle dominating right now. 588 00:27:55,720 --> 00:27:58,040 Speaker 1: We've talked about Max Fried. Of course, Trey Turner is 589 00:27:58,080 --> 00:28:00,000 Speaker 1: a great example of this. You go down the line 590 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:02,240 Speaker 1: and even guys like Cal Quantrill Ty France who have 591 00:28:02,240 --> 00:28:05,119 Speaker 1: had nice careers. David Bednar was an All Star closer 592 00:28:05,160 --> 00:28:08,879 Speaker 1: with Pittsburgh. The Potterys only home grown guy that they 593 00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:12,080 Speaker 1: draft and signed themselves. Is Jackson Merrill. They did acquire 594 00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:15,280 Speaker 1: Tatis before he played a single professional game. They do 595 00:28:15,359 --> 00:28:17,800 Speaker 1: get credit for developing him up through their system, but 596 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:20,240 Speaker 1: it's two different approaches to rebuild. It's just kind of 597 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:23,000 Speaker 1: interesting to see. Again, both had number one farm systems, 598 00:28:23,280 --> 00:28:26,000 Speaker 1: both took different approaches to how they use those players. 599 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:28,240 Speaker 1: And look, the Braves are the team with the World 600 00:28:28,320 --> 00:28:31,240 Speaker 1: Series and the multiple division titles. Their method has been 601 00:28:31,240 --> 00:28:34,080 Speaker 1: more successful. But again, in theory, at least, both of 602 00:28:34,119 --> 00:28:37,800 Speaker 1: these teams should continue to be good for the foreseeable future, 603 00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:40,280 Speaker 1: even though right now, again, as you mentioned, the Braves 604 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:42,040 Speaker 1: are under five hundred and the Potters are in the 605 00:28:42,080 --> 00:28:44,680 Speaker 1: midst of a really, really ugly losing streak. Sometimes it 606 00:28:44,680 --> 00:28:46,520 Speaker 1: can be hard to lose sight of that in the moment. 607 00:28:47,120 --> 00:28:50,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, oh absolutely, And you know, I'll never forget. We 608 00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:53,640 Speaker 2: did a crossover episode on the Feul Territory Network with 609 00:28:53,680 --> 00:28:56,840 Speaker 2: the Mets podcast and they were kind of laughing at 610 00:28:56,960 --> 00:28:59,760 Speaker 2: us because they were like, we want the Braves problems, 611 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:00,920 Speaker 2: Like the Braves. 612 00:29:00,640 --> 00:29:03,080 Speaker 3: Problems are problems. We won. And I'm not saying that. 613 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:04,959 Speaker 3: I mean, I have no skin in the game. I'm 614 00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:05,280 Speaker 3: a fan. 615 00:29:05,360 --> 00:29:08,120 Speaker 2: I do a podcast, but you know, it's it is 616 00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:12,360 Speaker 2: all things with perspective, and really now that both San 617 00:29:12,400 --> 00:29:14,240 Speaker 2: Diego and the Braves have come out of it and 618 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:17,320 Speaker 2: have been highly successful in recent years, and you know, 619 00:29:17,440 --> 00:29:20,320 Speaker 2: the World Series in twenty one. Sometimes the ball just 620 00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:23,240 Speaker 2: has to bounce your way for a couple of weeks. 621 00:29:23,280 --> 00:29:26,800 Speaker 2: And frankly, I thought whoever won last year's NLDS was 622 00:29:26,800 --> 00:29:29,240 Speaker 2: winning the World Series, no question. 623 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:31,640 Speaker 1: Those were the Potters and Dodgers were the two best 624 00:29:31,640 --> 00:29:34,360 Speaker 1: teams remaining in the postseason once the Phillies were eliminated, 625 00:29:34,400 --> 00:29:36,680 Speaker 1: and yeah, both teams were better than the Mets, both 626 00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:39,920 Speaker 1: teams were better than the Yankees, and realistically both teams 627 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:41,880 Speaker 1: were whoever won that series was going to win the 628 00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:44,920 Speaker 1: World Series. And tip your cap to the Dodgers. Their 629 00:29:44,920 --> 00:29:48,120 Speaker 1: pitchers came out through twenty four consecutive squirrels of sinnings, 630 00:29:48,160 --> 00:29:50,320 Speaker 1: came back from a two to one deficit and got 631 00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:52,520 Speaker 1: the job done. But that's why they play the games. 632 00:29:52,560 --> 00:29:54,720 Speaker 1: And now the Potters are trying to get back there 633 00:29:54,720 --> 00:29:56,160 Speaker 1: and the Braves are trying to get back to the 634 00:29:56,160 --> 00:29:58,880 Speaker 1: postseason where they normally are as well. These two teams 635 00:29:58,920 --> 00:30:01,760 Speaker 1: met in the wild Card Series last year. The way 636 00:30:01,920 --> 00:30:04,080 Speaker 1: both teams are playing right now, I think they're both 637 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:06,040 Speaker 1: hoping to get back to the postseason this year and 638 00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:08,280 Speaker 1: hoping to face each other. So we'll see how it 639 00:30:08,320 --> 00:30:10,880 Speaker 1: all shakes out. Scott, this has been a pleasure. Thank 640 00:30:10,920 --> 00:30:13,440 Speaker 1: you so much for joining me. Appreciate your expertise and insight. 641 00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:15,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, thanks Kyle for having me. 642 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:17,760 Speaker 2: Happy to come on anytime, and should be a really 643 00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:21,440 Speaker 2: good series in Atlanta. Two very talented rosters and hopefully 644 00:30:21,680 --> 00:30:24,000 Speaker 2: even if only one team can win. Hopefully this is 645 00:30:24,040 --> 00:30:26,400 Speaker 2: kind of a leaping off point for a much better 646 00:30:26,520 --> 00:30:28,760 Speaker 2: June July, August, September on the Horizon. 647 00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:31,719 Speaker 1: Absolutely, it should be a great series ahead. This has 648 00:30:31,720 --> 00:30:34,440 Speaker 1: been another episode of Friar Territory here on the Foul 649 00:30:34,560 --> 00:30:37,640 Speaker 1: Territory Network. Go ahead and give us a review like subscribe. 650 00:30:37,720 --> 00:30:40,040 Speaker 1: We'd love to hear from you, and please, please please 651 00:30:40,280 --> 00:30:42,760 Speaker 1: go ahead subscribe to Hammer Territory. Those guys do a 652 00:30:42,800 --> 00:30:46,280 Speaker 1: great job as well. We look forward to the upcoming series. 653 00:30:46,520 --> 00:30:49,200 Speaker 1: Thanks Kain for watching and listening. We'll see you next week.