KISSIMMEE, FLA. — An inability to produce runs is a real problem in a game in which they keep score. A most fundamental flaw. Just ask the Braves.
One key to winning only 67 games in 2015 was finishing last (30th) in baseball in runs scored.
As risky as it may be to put too much stock into spring statistics, the newly configured lineup is tickling the scoreboard more frequently. The Braves were 12th among Major League teams in runs scored this spring entering Tuesday’s game against Houston. And they scored plentiful more in losing to the Astros 8-7.
Pointing to the addition of Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar in front of him in the lineup, Freddie Freeman said Tuesday, “I believe we’re going to be a lot better than last year.”
“It’s the first time in a couple years we’ve had a leadoff hitter and a two-hole hitter consistently like we’re going to have,” he said. And Freeman has been likewise buoyed by the prospect of moving Nick Markakis to a position in the lineup where he would have more opportunity to drive in runs as well as Hector Olivera’s productive spring (he’s hitting .400 while getting more at-bats than any other player in the Grapefruit League). Olivera had a seven-game spring hitting streak snapped by the Astros Tuesday.
“It’s been a good showing so far,” Freeman said. “Obviously we’ve been scoring a lot of runs in spring. Hopefully it doesn’t stop April 4,” said Freeman, pointing to the Braves real-season opener at home against Washington.
