Much of the Braves’ spring intrigue is centered on pitching, where a competition for the remaining rotation spot and a spot in the bullpen takes center stage.
That competition formally began Friday, when pitchers and catchers reported to camp in Central Florida. Many arrived a day or two early, and some have been throwing side sessions. Their first workout will be held Saturday.
A few bullet points from the first, but relaxed day of camp:
» Rick Kranitz spoke with the media for the first time since his post-hiring conference call. He exhibited the lively, fresh personality that won the Braves over during the interview process. He spoke highly of the talent in place, acknowledging his view from the Phillies dugout last year (as pitching coach) adds unique perspective.
» Kevin Gausman and A.J. Minter praised Kranitz. Gausman spoke extensively with fellow LSU product Aaron Nola, who was disappointed to see his Phillies and Kranitz part ways. Kranitz holds vast responsibility in grooming the ensemble of youngsters, while also helping Mike Foltynewicz, Sean Newcomb and Gausman progress in their mid-to-late 20s.
» Mike Soroka has thrown multiple side sessions and won’t be limited. The Braves will still approach him carefully, but he won’t be held back as he competes for the fifth starter job. Soroka, arguably the team’s best pitching prospect, was shut down after five starts last season due to shoulder inflammation.
» On that note, Luiz Gohara looked trimmed down a bit, which went in accordance with offseason feedback on the big lefty. Gohara took his offseason training very seriously, trusted the team’s program and said he’s cut 35-40 pounds.
On-and-off-field struggles essentially made Gohara’s 2018 a throwaway. He’s happy with a clean slate to focus on recovering his 2017 form, when he flashed front-line stuff in September. Gohara is also competing for the fifth starter job in a pivotal season of his young career.
» Manager Brian Snitker is excited that his pitching arsenal is fully healthy, rather than the usual few arms stowed away on the 60-day disabled list (now referred to as the injured list). He has more depth to play with than years past, in case that wasn’t obvious by the team’s ascension.
Snitker is willing to give young pitchers chances in the bullpen – in fact, the Braves will probably rely on it. The fifth-starter slot may well be rotated, but those who aren’t set to start can contribute in long-relief. Max Fried, Touki Toussaint and Gohara are the most likely candidates there.
» Brian McCann, who had right-knee surgery last July, said he’s at 100 percent and the knee feels better than it has in two or three years. He’s confident his Braves reunion is positioned to be a successful one.
“This team is so talented,” McCann said. “Where they got last year, everybody is a year older, more experienced. You add a guy like Josh Donaldson, put him in the middle of the order, it’s a game-changer. So I don’t get involved too much with what’s going on (with other teams) but this team here is really talented.”
» Jokingly asked about lobbying for former teammate and current free agent Craig Kimbrel, McCann smiled and laughed, adding an “I love Craig.” Kimbrel is the top free-agent reliever available, and while speculation continues connecting him with his former club, nothing is currently in the works between the parties.
» The National League East might be the hardest division to pick. But early predictions seem to trend away from the Braves, opting for one of the other three teams who had a sexier winter.
Snitker doesn’t care in the slightest. He reiterated his clubhouse expects to win, and every individual on the Braves believes they can.
“They weren’t (picking us) last year either,” Snitker said. “And that’s OK. That’s why the end of March we’ll tee this thing up and play all the games. What everybody else thinks or says, that’s OK. We’ll go out and play the game.”
Minter summed up the team’s mindset: “It’s going to be a tough division, but I think it’s going to be fun when we pull out ahead again.”
