Spring Training Thread!!!

[D-train]

This is the exact same BS we heard for years here. Why is it so hard to believe that a top prospect is a bust because they can't hit MLB pitching just like the rest of the 99.99% of the population? You are either born with it or not. France was born with but his swing got out of whack and now it seems he has fixed it. Huge difference. It would be like taking a Ford Escort and working on it to "fix" it so that it can win the Daytona 500

When the Atlanta Braves traded for Jarred Kelenic, they knew that they were taking on a player who has a lot of talent, but he needs some work. Kelenic spent the first part of his big-league time as a member of the Seattle Mariners, making his debut with them in 2021. He had a .181 batting average in 2021, a .141 batting average in 2022, and a .253 batting average last season.

It was apparent that he needed a change of scenery. He and the front office did not get along well in Seattle, so the move to Atlanta could help his mental a lot. Kelenic does not have to try to be a superstar for the Atlanta Braves. We don't need him to be that guy. We have a team full of star players. We just need him to be himself.

Currently, he is struggling to do that in Spring Training. Kelenic has appeared in 15 games this spring for the Braves and he has a .071 batting average with 12 strikeouts. Those stats are abysmal, but is it time to hit the panic button?

I don't think it is. Kevin Seitzer, the Braves hitting coach, knows a thing or two about helping a player fix his swing so that he can be as productive as possible. The Braves offense put up numbers last year that were insane. To me, it seems like Seitzer has been working on Kelenic's swing. That is not an easy adjustment to make. Imagine you spent your whole life doing something the same way and then one day someone tells you to change that routine and do it differently. It is hard to break those habits.

[Big_Maple]

He broke his curse!

Kelenic had about a 12 pitch battle, and finally broke through with a single up the middle.

Raised his average to .091

Good for him. I'm glad he's gone, and I don't want to think the Braves won that trade - but I still feel bad for the guy.

[Donn Beach]

What they bought was five years of control, they haven't had time to fix him yet.

LOL yeah I am sure they will spend 2, 3, 4 or 5 seasons trying to "fix" a guy that can't hit.

It's going to more than a spring training

[Juliooooo]

Kelenic I’m sure is wishing he took the deal that was offered a few years ago…

[Big_Maple]

Kelenic I’m sure is wishing he took the deal that was offered a few years ago…

He was busy kicking coolers over the service time manipulation thing.

But you're right. I don't think he is just battling for a roster spot in Atlanta. This is sort of a make it or break it thing. He's pre-arb this year, so if he flops for the Braves, I guess they wouldn't tender him a contract.

[Juliooooo]

Kelenic I’m sure is wishing he took the deal that was offered a few years ago…

He was busy kicking coolers over the service time manipulation thing.

But you're right. I don't think he is just battling for a roster spot in Atlanta. This is sort of a make it or break it thing. He's pre-arb this year, so if he flops for the Braves, I guess they wouldn't tender him a contract.

Hopefully he’s not stupid. His signing bonus was 4.5 million. Then add a few years making minimum, he’s probably made over 6 million. Even if he’s smart with 1/4 of that (agent, taxes, living expenses etc) he’s got 1.5 million as a young 20 something to set him up for life.

[D-train]

Mike Ford released despite an epic spring

[Big_Maple]

Mike Ford released despite an epic spring

Kolten Wong triggered his opt-out from the Orioles.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/ ... ioles.html

Let's bring them both back!

[Southpaw773]

Today’s game is streaming free on Mariners website

[D-train]

Mitch Garver has almost a .900 OPS this Spring and he is 8th of 9 in OPS in today's lineup. LOL