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Home , Ender Inciarte, Hayden Hurst, Jay Cutler, Justin Fields, Matt Kemp, Roquan Smith

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Michael J. Sullivan, M.D. | Katherine L. Maurath, M.D. Denny A. Carter, M.D. | Beau Sasser, M.D. | J. Melvin Deese, M.D.

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es, it has almost been a monthY now since the most heartbreaking loss in UGA A better football history in the National Title game to Alabama. The approach. pain for die hard UGA fans may never go away, but honestly the Dawgnation did not honestly expect to be in this position in year two of the era. Most insiders around Athens are saying the 2017 Dawgs are just the tip of the iceberg as the talented roster continues to grow with 6 Five Star prospects alone coming into the program. At our Outpatient Rehabilitation Care Centers, Looking back on a fantastic 2017 season the SEC and Rose Bowl Champion Bulldogs had some talented players that we do more than administer therapy. We provide will earn many pay days in the NFL. expert care and personalized attention to help make Let's take a look at some draft prospects for a few of your recovery as swift and pleasant as possible. Our those players. licensed therapists offer a full range of services: : Simply put Smith is the best to ever roam the sidelines in Athens. He is fast and his football • Physical therapy instincts are off the chart. • Occupational therapy Plug in the Georgia Tech tape from last season and • Speech therapy you will see how one man can stop the triple option and how • Neurological rehabilitation you sideline to sideline, which will have NFL scouts • Orthopaedic and camping out in Athens until draft day. Sports Medicine Smith is a special talent and should go as a top ten • Amputee/Prosthetic training pick in the first round of the upcoming draft. I have Smith • Lymphedema management going at #10 to the Oakland Raiders who will be moving to • Women’s health Vegas soon. • Aquatic therapy A lot of Roquan Smith jerseys will be purchased by Raider Nation. In my opinion the only player from last year's • Cognitive rehabilitation team that is irreplaceable in Athens. Smith was a generational • Vestibular/Balance rehabilitation talent. • Gait and motion analysis Nick Chubb: Chubb will always be a favorite in Athens • Hand therapy because of the way he overcame that horrific knee injury in • Industrial rehabilitation 2015 and battled back and became the SEC's second leading Some services available at select locations only. rusher of all time behind the GOAT whose name I won't mention in this article but he wore #34 in Athens. We accept all major commercial insurance plans, Chubb will impress at the combine with his strength Medicare, Medicare HMOs and and will be a solid NFL running back. I expect Nick to go in Workers’ Compensation. the second or third round to a team like the Lions that need a solid back who can run between the tackles. : The versatility is what makes Sony special. Dawgnation would be wearing Natty shirts right now if Sony would have been used more in the second half of the title game. Michel can catch the football and at 215 pounds can run inside or outside. Sony will be a fantastic pro. I think sghs.org/rehab Michel goes in the second round to a team like Packers, Bears, or Bucs that need infusions of talent at the RB position. 2000 Dan Proctor Drive 2600 Wildwood Drive Lorenzo Carter: Who doesn't need an edge rusher St. Marys, GA 31558 Brunswick, GA 31520 in the NFL? Carter is long and fast and will carve out a fine 912-576-6450 912-466-5330 NFL career. His speed will shock people at the combine and 1111 Glynco Parkway 6000 Wellness Way he has first round talent and could move up high on many Suite 110 St. Simons Island, Brunswick, GA 31525 GA 31522 teams draft boards. 912-264-5377 912-466-5330 Carter will probably go in the second round. Carter Notice of non-discrimination: came back for his senior season and the blocked Rose Bowl 2/2017 FG in OT puts Carter in the all-time UGA highlight reel. sghs.org/notice-of-nondiscrimination © 2017 SGHS

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Here is the scouting report on Ronald Acuna: Acuna is a legitimate five-tool player who has the potential to be a superstar at the big league level. Acuna is a big physical kid with an athletic and strong build. He will continue to grow into his body. Boys & Girls hipper Jones, the Braves : Acuna has above average Club of most recentC addition to the Baseball bat speed and can hit to all fields Hall of Fame called Ronald Acuna with ease. He can drive the ball easily Southeast the next . No pressure to any field. As he develops into a Georgia huh? major league power hitter he will Braves outfield prospect consistently bat in the .280 to .300 After School Ronald Acuna soared to the No. 1 range and drive in a lot of runs. spot in ’s Top 100 Power: Acuna has raw power Programs prospects list for 2018. that needs to be developed, but has This is pretty high praise for shown he can be a consistent HR a 20-year old kid. Acuna is coming threat in minor leagues. off a magnificent season in which he Glove: Acuna is a good Monday- Friday hit a combined .325 with 31 doubles, athlete and has the ability to play all 2:30-6:30pm 8 triples, 21 homers, 82 RBIs, 44 three outfield spots and will probably stolen bases and a .896 OPS in 139 settle into RF as his career progresses. games. Arm: Acuna had the best The Braves have drafted well outfield arm in the minors last season. Tut ing and recently and have 8 prospects listed The arm strength is exceptional. in the top 100 of Baseball America’s Once he settles in the Braves lineup Homew k help list of top prospects. The Braves fan he will have one of the top outfield base would agree that the future is arms in baseball. bright if all of these players develop Speed: Long strider with and make the show. impressive top end speed. Acuna’s Snack and But going into the 2018 speed will translate in the Braves hot dinner season the will not outfield because he will go get balls be predicted to make a playoff run. Kemp could not last year. Good base served daily So, people are asking will Ronald runner who can steal bases if needed. Acuna be on the roster. Look for Acuna to have a Personally, I haven’t been this excited long Braves career. As he just turned about a kid in the Braves system since 20, look for Acuna barring a trade to 9 locations back in the 1990’s and be the piece the Braves build around that turned out pretty well for the for the next 10-12 years. in Glynn County Braves. Acuna along with the young Acuna who is from Venezuela arms in the farm system could bring was signed by the Braves in 2014 a World Title back to Atlanta in the for $100K. Acuna just turned 20 next 10 years. last December, and has fast tracked Ronald Acuna will be the through the Braves system and now next Braves superstar. All he needs appears on the cusp of being a major now is to be the Braves opening day Visit league starter on opening day in 2018. starter in left field. I think he will be. is gone and that He showed up 4 days early to Spring www.bgcsega.com opens up a spot for Acuna in left Training so management is taking field. Outside of notice. f m e the lineup has no consistent power, inf mation so Acuna brings much needed pop to that starting 9.

7 Making Sports Safer for Student Athletes

From youth leagues to high school, college and pro teams, sports bring our communities together and instill in athletes the values of hard work, dedication and teamwork. Although positivity and pride are frequently associated with athletic events, we also must maintain awareness of the risk of serious injury that sports carry. To keep athletes as safe as possible, most teams have athletic trainers at every practice, and many have doctors on the sidelines at games. This applies not only to college and pro teams, but to younger teams as well. The Southeast Georgia Health System Sports Medicine Program provides sports medicine services to Glynn and McIntosh County schools, as well as Frederica Academy. These services include practice and athletic event coverage and daily athletic training room hours throughout the year. In addition to the area schools, services are often provided to local youth and community sports organizations. “Having doctors or athletic trainers on hand to make an initial diagnosis is critical to ensuring injured athletes receive proper care,” says Denny A. Carter, M.D., board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, a strategic affiliate of the Health System. “Depending on the injury, we may be able to administer some treatment right away, and if the athlete requires a higher level of medical attention, we make sure the athlete and parents understand what to do next.” Hip Dislocations: A Rare but Serious Injury While strains, sprains and concussions are some of the more common contact sport’s injuries doctors and athletic trainers treat, it’s also important for them to be able to spot the signs of serious injuries that are less common—and to know what to do when they happen. One of the more serious injuries an athlete can suffer is a dislocated hip. According to Dr. Carter, hip dislocations are relatively rare since it requires significant force to produce this injury. Unfortunately, this means it also requires significant force to reposition the joint, and it cannot typically be done on the field the way a dislocated shoulder or elbow sometimes can. “Often, the position of the leg is suggestive of a dislocation. In most cases, the entire leg will be rotated inward, and the athlete will not be able to stand or move the leg without pain,” says Dr. Carter. “They will need to be taken off the field on a stretcher and taken to the nearest emergency room for care.” An X-ray is key to diagnosing a dislocated hip as it will show any fractures to the hip socket or femur that might require surgery. Sometimes, a CT scan will also be ordered to check for additional injuries. The knee joint is also checked, since high-impact collisions that cause hip dislocations sometimes cause knee injuries. For any dislocated hip, the top priority is to get the hip joint back in place as soon as possible. In athletes, this can sometimes prove challenging because the large muscles surrounding the hip joint can prevent it from being put back in place. In these cases, general anesthesia may be given to relax the muscles. Surgery is only required in rare cases when the hip cannot be put back in place or if there are other injuries to the area. Getting Back on the Field After a Hip Dislocation While a serious injury, hip dislocations are relatively easy to treat, and athletes can expect to make a full recovery. “Initially, crutches may be required to protect the joint,” says Dr. Carter. “After that, athletes work with a physical therapist to strengthen the area and regain range of motion. It takes about three months to fully recover.” Dr. Carter also explains that follow-up X-rays are obtained every three months for a year, and every six months for another year after that, although the risk of repeat injury is low. “The hip is a very deep and stable joint,” he says. “The follow-up X-rays are to make sure there is no damage to the blood supply in the area. If the blood supply to the hip is lost, degeneration of the hip may occur over time, necessitating further treatment.” For more information, call Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery at 912-466-7340 or visit sghs.org/summit.

8 9 16 on campus and rush for a thousand tackle Daquan Newkirk from East yards immediately. Mississippi Community College. If

Alabama’s class was ranked you watch Last Chance U then you’re 6th which is the worst it’s been since familiar with that program.

Nick Saban’s first year in 2007. The Newkirk originally was in the Crimson Tide are coming off of Tigers 2016 class but his academic another national championship but I status forced him to go to community

think their nervous about Georgia’s college. At 6’3, 282 pounds and two he 2018 National Signing success. Bama only signed 19 recruits, years of playing experience I expect Day wasT earlier in the month. Now we two 5 stars, twelve 4 stars and five 3 him to be a key contributor in 2018. know how each of your favorite teams stars. “[Auburn’s commitment was] did. Let’s look at the SEC recruiting They struggled on defense very important because through my classes. There are 9 SEC Schools with the last two years and they heavily journey a lot of schools turned their top 20 recruiting classes. addressed the defensive line. Eyabi back but Auburn didn’t. That’s very Surprisingly, Georgia tops Anoma is the 4th ranked national special to me,” Newkirk said. “As you the list. The Bulldogs almost won recruit and #1 . can tell no one really knows about their first national title since 1980 and Stephon Wynn also signed me. Every time I got offered by a that success on the field is translating and he’s the 3rd ranked defensive big school I didn’t post it on Twitter. in recruiting. Out of the 26 recruits end. The pass rush should be lethal I was just a humble guy throughout signed there are seven 5 stars and in Tuscaloosa for the next few years. my whole process.” fifteen 4 stars. The other five-star recruit is Florida is ranked 14th which the best cornerback, Patrick Surtain is impressive considering they did not headlines the class. He was the #2 Jr. If you recall his father played in hire new head coach Dan Mullen until overall recruit in the nation and he’s the NFL, most notably for the Miami November 26, 2017. a dynamic dual threat. Dolphins. Clearly, Surtain Jr. has the They signed several four-star Fields is 6’3, 221 pounds and I pedigree to be successful. recruits on offense, which has been expect him to gain another 10 pounds Auburn’s class is ranked 12th weak for several years. Some of the once he arrives in Athens. He will but they don’t have any 5 star recruits. signees are receivers Jacob Copeland, be sitting behind for at They have sixteen 4 stars and Justin Watkins, running back Dameon least the next two years but we will eight 3 stars. Auburn is an interesting Pierce and . see how that plays out. program because they have trouble LSU is ranked 15th, Texas UGA is becoming Running sustaining a high level of success on A&M 17th, South Carolina 19th and Back U over the past decade, so the field. The Tigers normally have a Tennessee 20th. That means we can of course they signed another stud breakout season every 4-5 years. Maybe expect to see some very good games in Zamir White. He was the top this class will provide stability and over the next 3-4 years. ranked RB in the country and #9 help them build on their 2017 season. national recruit. I expect him to step One notable signee is defensive

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struggles in 2018. or Christian Sam from Arizona State Wide Receiver: Jacksonville could be draft options for the Jags at has found some quality at the receiver the position in the third round. position recently, but it appears both Offensive Line: If Orlando and Marqise Lee are Brown is there at pick 29 then the heading for free agency, more talent Jags need to gobble up the 6’7 340 at the position is needed. pound tackle from and The Jaguars could also clear move Cam Robinson to guard. The Jaguars finally got over $7 million of salary cap space by Brown is too good of a the hump in 2017. Winning the AFC releasing Allen Hurns. This is going prospect to pass up. Braden Smith South, two playoff games, and letting to be a position of huge need for the from Auburn could be a good draft the off the hook Jaguars in the draft. Unrestricted FA’s pick from Auburn at OG in the second in the AFC title game erased a six year , Sammy Watkins, or round if he is still on the board. run of losing 11 or more games. Danny Amendola would look good The Jags really need to beef Now with many of the pieces in a Jags uniform, and Christian Kirk up this unit through the draft or free in place to make noise in the AFC from Texas A &M would be a good agency. Tom Coughlin will address what do the Jags do in free agency draft pick at the position. the OL unit during this draft. You and the upcoming draft? Linebacker: NaVarro Bowman can bank on that because the Jaguars

Positions of Need: could provide immediate help in want to run the football with Leonard Quarterback: Blake Bortles the middle of the defense. Prior to Fournette right down opposing team’s played well down the stretch, but is injuries Bowman was an elite player throats. he the answer? in , but while he may never Tight End: The Jags need help would bring a return to that form he could still be at the position. from huge price tag in the free agent market an impact starter at only 29 years of South Carolina could be a huge pick but it appears the Jags may not test age. up in the later rounds for the Jags at the market so they need to address from the TE and could come in and take the the position in the draft. Lions has been a tackling machine starting job. Hurst was a matchup The Jags are saying all the in Detroit over the last two seasons. nightmare for SEC defenses while right things about Bortles during the He could help as well. he was a Gamecock. offseason, but if they draft a QB with Current middle linebacker Paul The Jags are close to being a one of their first 4 picks then that will Posluszny is a free agent which opens Super Bowl contender and now it is be telling. up a spot, and the Jags need to leave time to add the pieces to make this a Someone like Mason Rudolph Myles Jack on the outside because he reality. from Oklahoma State could end up in is an outstanding player in space. Jacksonville. Sam Bradford could also Malik Jefferson from Texas be a good insurance policy if Bortles

15 22 my eye on Todd Frazier, but now he’s the outfield, ignoring the fact that they a Met. Yuck.). can’t hit the ball even though they’re Swanson’s primarily being used as pinch hitters. performance will be watched closely Culberson, who came over in due to his struggles at the plate last the Matt Kemp trade, will have the season. I think even with a weaker third spot. spring he’s going to be given the Starting Rotation: Julio benefit of the doubt and start the Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Brandon elieve it or not, spring season at short on the big club. McCarthy, Luis Gohara and Sean training B games are upon us. Outfield: , Nick Newcomb. The glorious season of baseball Markakis & Lane Adams. This one has a chance to see is upon us and hope springs eternal. This is the part that no one some battles. The first three guys are There is plenty to do before Opening wants to hear: Ronald Acuna is going locks and the Braves are high enough Day. to start the season in Triple A. on Gohara that I think his spot is For one, the roster must be He may do his best to force secure as well. constructed. There are some openings Alex Anthopoulos’ hand but it’ll go The last spot could go any and some questions for now, so let’s one of two ways, neither of which see number of ways. Max Fried will be take a look at what the 25-man squad him on the opening day roster. If he seriously considered and let’s not might look like come March 29th. falters, then he’ll be sent to Gwinnett forget that came over Catchers: Tyler Flowers & for seasoning; if he kills it in Florida, from Los Angeles. At the end of the

Kurt Suzuki. then he’ll be sent to Gwinnett to wait day Newcomb will make the team This one is easy. The tandem until the timing is right so the Braves after showing improved command of Flowers and Suzuki made, arguably, will have him under team control for in spring training. the most productive position on the an extra year. No Acuna. Lane Adams Bullpen: Arodys Vizcaino, team in 2017. That level may be hard will keep his spot warm. A.J. Minter, Jose Ramirez, Sam to replicate this year, but we know Bench: Preston Tucker, Danny Freeman, Dan Winkler, Lucas Sims, they’ll both be at Suntrust Park for Santana & . Rex Brothers & Chase Whitley. the first game of the year. Tucker will make the squad Familiar faces, most of these Infield: Freddie Freeman, and likely split duties with Adams in guys. They’ll be back again to fill , & left field at the start of the season, as much the same roles they did last year. . he hits lefty and Adams hits righty. There’s a chance one of the Braves’ Unless a move is made, this Santana is a non-roster invitee young starters gets a long relief gig out one is pretty set in stone as well. and only hit .203 with the Braves of spring training, displacing Whitley. Freeman, Albies and Swanson are last year but he’s also versatile. The Is this a team that can certain and unless the Braves make Braves seem to like to have this kind compete? We’ll see on March 29th. a move and bring in a third baseman, of player on the team. Teams drool Camargo will get the job here (I had over guys who can play the infield and

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four years. State: Small was Mr. Versatility at #4 DJ Whitfield: Valdosta BHS and the Blazers got a diamond State. Whitfield is a speedy WR who in the rough with Small. had a great senior season for Sean #51 Ty Hinson: Valdosta State: Pender. He could see early playing VSU got a leader and a kid that will time at VSU. work hard and will never make your #5 Aubrey Williams: The program look bad. Look for Hinson United States Naval Academy. Very to be a future starter at VSU. Brunswick High School had impressive to sign with Navy and #59 John Cano: Reinhardt a school record 13 kids sign letters of speaks volumes about the quality of University. Reinhardt got a top-notch intent on National Signing Day. Glynn this young man. student athlete and a immediate starter County is becoming a hotbed of high #6 Alonzo Brown: University at OL who plays with a mean streak school football talent and this year of Virginia-Wise. Brown had a record that separates him from others. produced a bumper crop at athletes breaking season at WR for BHS. #81 Malik Alston: Highlands. going to the next level from BHS. Look for Brown to play right away Alston developed into a dangerous red Let's go through each signee and maybe take a starting spot. zone threat for Sean Pender's Pirates in numerical order:

#7 Jaylen Jackson: Georgia #1 Sharrod Frazier: Marshall Tech. Jackson is the best overall athlete and with his tall frame will develop University. The Thundering Herd are I have seen come through BHS since into the same at Highlands. getting a top caliber athlete who can Darius Slay. Jackson will have a fine #99 George Mincey Jr: flat out fly. Frazier's speed should get career at GT. Valdosta State. Mincey came on his him on the field early for the Herd. #8 Jamarius Stevens: Hocking senior year and became an All Region #2 Kam Futch: West Georgia. College, OH: The season total player. He should become a future Futch a three-year starter for the offense record holder for BHS gets a VSU starter. Pirates was very high on the Wolves shot to play QB in college. Hocking What a class for BHS. These board at LB. Futch will now team got a good athlete with a rocket arm. kids played for three head coaches up with Hunter Hall from Glynn in #10 Rudy Nixon: ASA Miami: in four years and went out as co- Carrollton to form the foundation Nixon is a physical specimen who will region champions with a 7-3 record from the Golden Isles to solidify the develop into a fine college player. and laid the foundation for the quick middle of the Wolves defense for next #13 Tevin Small: Valdosta turnaround their senior season.

21 20 his way. There is no way the Terrors would have made the state semi-finals without Marvin Dallas’s play in the playoffs. Dallas took the opposing team’s best WR out of the game plan every Friday night, even the guys that had signed with big name colleges. Dallas will attend Georgia Military The Glynn Academy Red College. Terrors are coming off of a state Hunter Hall: There has never semi-final appearance in a year that been a better defensive player at Glynn most thought the Terrors would be Academy than Hunter Hall. Hall also rebuilding. has NFL talent if he is given a fair Instead, this senior class look due being a little undersized for almost led Glynn to a state title and a linebacker but no one I have ever will go down as the most successful seen plays the position better. Hall senior class in Glynn Academy history. committed to West Georgia. Signing Day has come and Cameron McClellan: McClellan gone and the Terrors will have some is a big, tough linebacker that came of that senior class take their talents over to the Terrors from Frederica and to the next level. proved to be a monster in the middle Here is a run down of the for Glynn when healthy. McClellan Glynn Academy signing class. suffered a toe injury at the beginning Sean Bravo: Bravo came in of the season and was finally able to and played one year for the Terrors come back and was a beast for Glynn and made a huge impact on the field at LB. However, only a few games for Glynn, especially in the playoffs. later he ended up tearing his ACL, Bravo signed a letter of intent to which put him out for the year. This Eastern Arizona. is a kid you root for; great kid, great Caine Crews: In my opinion, family, and a desire to play football Crews is one of the best all-around at the next level no matter the odds. players to have ever played at Glynn. McClellan will continue his football He was a shut down DB early in his career, signing with Florida Tech. Glynn career and then transitioned to There will likely be several running back his senior year. Crews other players for the Terrors that will still played some DB when it was sign late but one thing is for sure, necessary. Crews committed to Lenoir- Glynn County is finally getting the Rhyne University. recognition it deserves for being a Marvin Dallas: Dallas has talent hot bed. NFL potential if a few things go

23 24 Schaub. All you need to know is In fact, he’s only thrown 78 that Schaub is currently 54 going on passes in his entire career. Seriously, 83 and over the past 2 years has only there’s not enough info on him for thrown three more passes in an actual me to even poke fun at. He’s truly “a NFL game than I have. riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an Look, I like Schaub’s game, enigma.” from 7-8 years ago and if this were : being written during his first stint . I guess out of all One of the main topics with Atlanta I would be really high the backup the NFC of discussion as we exit the football on his ability to lead the Falcons for South has to offer, Fitzpatrick is the season is the importance of having an extended period, if needed. best. a capable backup at the quarterback Unfortunately, that’s not the I’m not really sure that’s saying position. case. I can’t imagine a scenario where a whole lot though. I will say this, he Teams like Green Bay and Dan Quinn doesn’t bring someone else did do an admirable job filling for Miami struggled mightily when they in back up Matt Ryan. Falcons’ fans Jameis Winston at various times this were forced to rely on their 2nd string better hope Ryan is the Cal Ripken past year. And he has proven himself QB. of NFL Quarterbacks. to be a decent quarterback in recent I mean, Miami had so much : Derek years. faith in Matt Moore they signed Jeff Anderson. See Matt Schaub. The I guess it’s not completely out George’s twin brother from a different only difference is I can count on of the realm of possibility to see him

Anderson to throw at least one red have the type of season mother, , and started him zone for every game he had if Fitzpatrick needed to run the Week 1. plays. show in Tampa. Not saying it’s likely Teams like Minnesota, and If Schaub actually played I feel to happen, just that it’s not impossible. obviously Philadelphia, we’re able to like he would just hand the ball off Basically, while the NFC keep their season afloat despite losing every play, which is what I would want South may have the strongest group of their starting quarterbacks. the Panthers to do with Anderson. starting of quarterbacks in the league, So, this got me thinking: How : Chase they also have the male version of the much faith should fans of the NFC Daniel. This one is interesting, mainly “Golden Girls” as their backups. South have in their respective team’s because I have no idea how good And if I’m being completely backup quarterback? Daniel is. honest, with the exception of Ryan Since things could, and I know a lot of teams think Fitzpatrick, I’m pretty sure I’d rather probably will change over the next highly of him and he’s made really have Bea Arthur as my backup as few months, I’m going with who the good money over his 10 year career opposed to the other three. You can backup quarterback was at the end of based on those opinions. I also know even include Fitzpatrick if you’re the season. he’s never thrown more than 38 passes giving me Betty White. : Matt in a season.

25 2816 That being said, 10 homers When GM Alex Anthopoulos each will still likely make them the addressed the Braves’ power deficiency number two power-producing position at Fan Fest, he offered up two possible on the lineup card, depending on roads: one, in which the Braves roll what a certain number one prospect with what they’ve got, which we’ve manages to do when he shows up. explored, or two, when he knowingly The most intriguing option pointed out that there are a lot of free is, of course, Ronald Acuna. All signs agents still available. Trading Matt Kemp was a point to him starting the season in That’s true. There are over good thing, that’s true. Not keeping Triple A Gwinnett but a call up isn’t one hundred unsigned free agents, Matt Adams was fine. He had nowhere likely to be too far down the road. including some that could add some to play. Trading at Part of this rationale is pop to the Braves’ lineup in 2018. The the end of the season was the right seasoning. Acuna spent very little most obvious place for a free agent to thing to do as well, or at least it was time in Gwinnett last year and part slot in would be third base and there the nice thing to do. The fallout from of it is player control: if they wait to are options there. that is the loss of a ton of last year’s bring him up, they’ll have another One is the very unlikely Mike already meager output by year before he’s able to hit free agency Moustakas, the other is the slightly the Atlanta Braves. (the Cubs pulled this same maneuver more likely Todd Frazier. If you’re keeping score, the with ). Both excuses are Frazier is a third baseman with Bravos hit 165 dingers in 2017. That perfectly valid and either way we’ll be pop and will be much less expensive was good enough for 28th in the seeing him soon enough. The question with Moustakas. Majors and 28 of those came from is where does he hit when he arrives? His batting average is fairly Freddie Freeman. No one else had Cleanup is a tough spot to horrendous, reaching a career low 20. thrust a rookie into right off the bat last year, which he split between the More pressingly, no one has (no pun intended). It may be a lot to White Sox and Yankees, but if you’re been added to the roster to replace ask of a 20 year to be called upon to into OPS+ then his 105 is a little bit the 49 that Kemp, Adams and Phillips protect Freddie Freeman in his first above average. produced. There is a serious lack of game with the big club. More to the point, the later it power on the Braves’ roster going On the other hand, he may gets in the year the more likely it is into spring training and there’s no have just the right make up to succeed that he’d look into a one or two-year indication much will be done to under that kind of pressure. The contract, whereas Moustakas seems to change that. problem is you won’t know until he’s be holding out for a multi-year deal. So, who will protect Freeman there. It’s not a perfect solution but from the cleanup spot in the batting Failure can shake a young other than turning newly-minted Hall order? man’s confidence pretty fast and there of Famer back into Yes, Tyler Flowers and Kurt will be a lot of eyes pointed at this kid. a 25-year-old and signing him to a Suzuki combined to crank out 31 Maybe it would be more team-friendly contract, there don’t bombs from the catching position prudent to see if he can produce from appear to be any. and they certainly are an option; but the fifth or sixth spot in the order first. Flowers and Suzuki. Acuna. I do question the idea that they’d be He’ll be hitting cleanup (or second) Frazier, or another free agent. Whoever able to duplicate that level of success. eventually. it is, the Braves need some pop.

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