Atlanta Braves Swinging Better Preseason Bats In 2018
By W. M. Lawson
With right at 11 more preseason games left on the schedule, the Atlanta Braves’ bats have been more effective this spring than last.
We’ve reached the part of the program where a lot of the younger dudes are already sent down. Personnel questions now become focused and acute. Guys aren’t just fighting for their position, but any spot on the Opening Day roster. And with hope springing eternal, there is actually a reason for a justified optimism. Overall, the performance at the plate this Spring for our Atlanta Braves has been improved year over year.
In you are in any kind of business or financial sector, you are aware of the “year-over-year” metric. It gives a quick snap shot of performance and the timing of that performance. That’s important because some work is seasonal. Some services are adjusted to a different fiscal calendar. Much the same, baseball is different in May than it is in July. It’s a long, hot season, and therefore, some numbers posted early aren’t indicative of coming predictive performance.
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That’s why ‘YOY” can be helpful, though. It’s that age old perennial question, “What were we doing this time last year?”. I know you, or someone you know, has asked it.
Just from following the Braves this Spring, it “feels” like they’ve played better this year than in recent Springs. But that’s why you shouldn’t come to cognitive conclusions based on feelings. A two year old can feel. They can’t think.
But here, those feelings would point to a fact. The Atlanta Braves, overall, have posted a better Batting Average in 2018 than in 2017. Well, the dudes we know that will be needed to hit have, anyway.
Now, the numbers aren’t definitive, but numbers, like most things, very rarely are. Inciarte? In 2017, hit (.216) in 37 AB. Right now, dude is at (.310) in 29 AB. Markakis? In 2017, hit (.302) in 53 AB. Right now, dude is at (.429) in 21 AB. Here are others: Suzuki (.314 to .500), Acuna Jr. (.296 to .412), Peterson (.300 to .318).
It is true that others have dropped off, but if you are worried about Freeman (.489 to .321) and Albies (.353 to .297), I’d point you to the last few games. Albies certainly has had more ABs this year, and Freeman is, well, Freeman.
These numbers aren’t definitive, but they are encouraging. With just about two weeks worth of Spring ball to play, it looks like the Atlanta Braves have improved their bats.
Next: Atlanta Braves Dustin Peterson Making a Case for Roster Spot
It certainly feels that way, thus far.