Braves' success over first half of season could result in multiple All-Star selections
Memorial Day weekend is when most baseball purists will say that it is OK to start checking the standings.
Even after their 8- 6 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, the Atlanta Braves remained in a virtual East with a 29-21 record.
The Braves have not been eight games over .500 this late in the season since July 2013. That was the last time the Braves made the playoffs.
A mix of veterans and youthful contributions have many onlookers in baseball believing that the Braves can sustain their success. When a team does well, it is because of great individual performances that add to the collective.
The All- Star game is July 11 in Washington, and this is a good time to look at Braves who have the poten Park. Here are four Braves that have the strongest resumes to be all-stars.
NICK MARKAKIS
The Woodstock native is having one of the best seasons of his career. He started it with a game-winning home and has continued it by leading the
“He came into spring with a look of determination in his eye,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I knew he’d be good, because he’s such a steady pro hitter, but he’s really elevated his game. He’s been big for us in that cleanup spot.”
Markakis has a .413 on-base percent- age and .523 slugging percentage with 24 walks and 35 RBIs. These numbers show that Markakis puts the ball in play, limiting his strikeouts and allowing him to drive in runs.
“My biggest thing is just trying to be on time with the pitch, try not to miss the pitches you’re looking for,” Markakis said, “I think being a little more aggressive earlier in the counts is helping a little bit. I think 90, 95 percent of hitting is timing. If you give yourself a chance to be on time, and them throwing the ball where you’re looking, it enhances your chances greatly. That’s my approach right now. Just trying to be on time with pitches and try not to miss them.”
If Markakis makes the All-Star team, 13-year career. Of the 150 players in major league history who had more than the 2,121 career hits Markakis currently has, all have been an All-Star at least once except for Juan Pierre.
FREDDIE FREEMAN
Markakis’ hot start has made life easier for Freeman, who is hitting .326 on the season and ranks second hits.
“Freddie is our leader,” Snitker said. “He’s a great player, and it seems like he always comes through when we need him the most.”
Freeman has a .422 average in the Braves’ 29 wins, with 46 hits over 109 at-bats. The two-time All-Star also has 36 RBIs and nine home runs.
OZZIE ALBIES
The 21-year-old second baseman and leadoff batter has been a catalyst to the Braves’ success.
His 14 home runs ranks second in 46 runs scored and 120 total bases lead the majors. Albies leads all second basemen with a .569 slugging percentage.
“That kid is special,” Snitker said. “Everywhere he’s been, he’s been the youngest player and one of the best. He’s been a leader on every level, and it’s no different here.”
season in the majors, and the success would be overwhelming to a lot of players.
Albies seems to take it with a grain of salt.
“I work hard for what I want,” he said. “I train hard every day to make sure I reach my goals. When you work hard, it pays off.”
SEAN NEWCOMB
Though Newcomb had a tough outing Saturday in Boston, his numbers remain the best on the Braves’ pitching staff.
Newcomb entered Saturday on a over eight starts. He had a 1.68 ERA during that stretch.
In his last four starts entering Saturday, Newcomb had allowed a combined nine hits and one run over 25 innings. He only conceding 10 walks, compared to 24 strikeouts.
“It’s been good seeing him put it together like this,” Snitker said. “We knew he had great stuff. The rest is mental, and he’s learning. We hope he keeps it up. Newk has been crucial for us this season.”