I’m trying to figure out, here at first bloom of another Braves season, how this modest bunch can go all Loyola-Chicago on baseball.
A trade with the Cubs for Sister Jean could be a start. (I’m just assuming she’s an old-school, National League nun).
Otherwise, more practically, it is going to take some combination of the unforeseen to break through this season. Because just about everyone looking at this team from a studious distance seems to believe it hasn’t quite finished baking yet.
Five needs for the Braves, if they are to surprise anyone (and, please, feel free to add any Dansby Swanson reference or subtract others as you see fit):
1. Lightning on a clear night. The Braves have lacked the conviction of the home run – last year finishing 28th among 30 major league teams in homers. From some source – or multiple sources – they must add a jolt of power. And I just don't know where that might come from as we gaze upon the opening-day lineup. I guess that's why they call it a surprise. Playing in a home park that seems to invite ball flight, they really need to accept the invitation.
2. A starter who's a stopper. Someone emerge from the steno pool to be an All-Star, and a North Star to guide the rest of the staff. Whether that's Mike Foltynewicz calming the voices inside his head or Julio Teheran overcoming his SunTrust Park-phobia. Or new guy Brandon McCarthy discovering some overdue good health. A little dependability, if you please.
3. An MVP in the house. Just go ahead and win the thing already, Freddie. Freeman has performed right up to the very edge of this singular award, being mostly valuable until some misfortune befalls him. If through the efforts of their first baseman the Braves are contentious all the way through September, no one will be more worthy.
4. A closer who matters. For a star to emerge from this position – you know, like the Braves used to make them – there has to be a steady supply of save situations. Otherwise, Arodys Vizcaino just molders in the bullpen, a fireman on his cot in the station. The Jim Johnson impediment has been cleared. Now, the Braves have to get themselves in position for Vizcaino, in combination with young A.J. Minter, to mean something.
5. Help from the farm. You knew this conversation had to get to Ronald Acuna sooner or later. He is going to have his trials when he is called up, everyone does. Still, it will require a new energy to remake the Braves. And, fairly or not, we are counting on Acuna to be pure fusion, like the power of the sun, that's all.
