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Atlanta Braves’ Top 5 Performers of April

By Savannah McCoy

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Dansby Swanson #7, Ryan Flaherty #27 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning for a 8-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Dansby Swanson #7, Ryan Flaherty #27 and Charlie Culberson #16 after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning for a 8-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves runs to third base on a double hit by Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 1, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves runs to third base on a double hit by Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 1, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. Ozzie Albies

All Atlanta fans have heard for the last three seasons is how good the minor leaguers in the Braves’ farm system were. Ozzie Albies gave them a glimpse of what was to come last season and has made good on it in the young season.

April turned out to be a showcase for Albies’ talents. Nine home runs were twice as many as any other hitter on the team. He also led the team in hits, runs, RBI, and doubles.

The last time Atlanta had power equivalent to Albies’ at the top of the lineup, Edgar Renteria was manning shortstop. The difference now? Albies is a lot faster than Renteria was by the time he donned the Tomahawk on his jersey.

Albies’ speed has electrified a city already on clamor for the youth movement finally underway. He turns singles into doubles, doubles into triples.

Albies’ energy has infected the crowd. Who wouldn’t jump to their feet and cheer when Albies sprints full speed down the basepaths, helmet flying off his head as he round first base? Even when he’s out, his dedication to making the most out of every player has made the Braves exciting to watch again.

High energy sometimes comes at a cost. Albies was caught stealing two out of his five attempts in April and had a few defensive miscues. He’s also struck out more than would be preferred for a lead-off hitter. Those bumps are to be expected from rookies. They may turn up more throughout the season, but in April, mistakes are understandable.

Late in April, Brian Snitker began experimenting with a new lineup. He moved the pitcher to hit eighth, Ender Inciarte to bat ninth, and Albies at leadoff. The success of this move is something to keep an eye on in May. It could provide Albies with the opportunity to drive in more runs and get more quality at-bats.

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