Let’s step away from scrutinizing the Atlanta Braves bullpen for a moment and let’s give some credit where it is due. The Atlanta Braves starting outfield of Nick Markakis, Cameron Maybin, and Todd Cunningham are giving a kind of consistency that the club hasn’t seen since the OF was Martin Prado, Michael Bourn, and Jason Heyward. Although Cunningham has spent much of the last two years in AAA Gwinnett, this is an entirely new outfield for Fredi Gonzalez to work with.
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So far this season all three starting Braves outfielders are above average offensive players, with each having an OPS+ over 100. (Markakis 115, Maybin 114, and Cunningham 101 but I feel that his will improve). Each is hitting for a high average (Markakis .307, Cunningham .296, and Maybin .280) and getting on base (Markakis .397 OBP, Maybin .360 OBP, and Cunningham .356). And outside of a few bad routes run by Maybin in centerfield, all three Braves play solid defense in the outfield for Atlanta.
Their games aren’t flashy. Markakis has yet to hit a homer as an Atlanta Brave. Cunningham has yet to go yard as a big leaguer. Maybin’s five long balls aren’t exactly an eye-popping total through the season’s first two months. But these guys get on base and drive in runs. They’re not making SportsCenter Top 10 caliber catches in the outfield but for the most part, but they’re still making nice plays defensively. Cunningham’s range has been impressive and I can now see why the Atlanta Braves organization considers him their best defensive outfielder. And Todd plays with a former Gold Glove Winner in Nick Markakis in rightfield.
May 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Todd Cunningham (26) doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Brewers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It seems like Maybin is going through a career renaissance at the plate under Hitting Coach Kevin Seitzer’s tutelage. Maybin had more RBI’s in the month of May (17) than he did all of last season with the San Diego Padres (15). Markakis minus the complete lack of home run power is as consistent at the plate as he has ever been. The Woodstock native is doing just fine playing down the road from where he grew up. Cunningham, a switch-hitting outfielder who can play all three positions, is doing well with the Braves now that he is getting regular playing time since the Phil Gosselin injury opened up a roster spot for Todd.
I’m not saying that Atlanta Braves current starting outfield is on the same level as say the Pittsburgh Pirates (Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and of course Andrew McCutchen), but I’m liking what I’m seeing so far with this trio patrolling the outfield grass for the Atlanta Braves. Their collective productivity is a breath of fresh air compared to the Up-Up-and-Hey! Trio of 2013-14.