Braves Host Padres Weeknight Game Preview

A Snapshot of What to expect, What to look for, What will happen and What could happen if we're wrong about EVERY THING ELSE

• ON THE HILL - WIN BY COMMITTEE - game one may have gave the impression Ken Woods had a clear cut ace, (and maybe he does) but the philosophy remains the same in the Braves club house. They believe they have Four to Five arms without hesitation, 7 they're comfortable with and 8 that they may use by seasons end. So go ahead and take a couple pitches, they got enough arms to throw somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 pitches if needed.
  
• AT THE PLATE - GET THE SPARKPLUG FIRING AND THE RUNS WILL FOLLOW - Braves leadoff hitter Vision Pluma is key to the offensive success of the Braves, two called third strikes on Saturday did not help to ignite the offense. He must take the bat off his shoulder and get to swinging. Jose Martinez struggled as well but his all star tourney proved his value
  
• IN THE FIELD - THE STRONGEST D IN THE HD- While THE REPORT is confident there is some team, in some league around us that is, for lack of a better term, "stacked" we are certain the Braves have to many skilled players at nearly every position. They possess four of the best Outfielders in the league, yet kept three of them in the infield at all times last Saturday. Second base is the "10 spot" with Valenzuela and Rivera splitting time there when not controlling the outfield. They are solid, two deep at Catcher and can play 3 to 4 different guys at third base. The Braves have the luxury of brains and speed, along with rapidly developing talent coming off the bench. if there is a weakness on defense it is the lack of a clear cut back up at first base when Huizar pitches. Vision Pluma started at first last week but is more of an "up the middle player" (2b/ss/cf). Both Evan Fatino and Josh Marquez are familiar at first base, but appear more comfortable in the outfield. Fortunately, having a defense like the Braves makes the concerns at first base a much smaller concern. Johnny starting at first can also grow into a concern as the season wears on. Similar to Dodger first baseman, Corey Elder, Huizar has become a very friendly individual. But where Elder will converse with the umpire, Johnny sets his sights on the young girl(or girls) in the crowd. As the legend of Johnny B Goode grows, and 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls flock to the park, Huizar could be the victim of a Solomon Bates crushed cup check.
  
• ON THE SHELF - EVAN FATINO AND JOSH MARQUEZ ARE QUESTIONABLE -While Fatino is scheduled to return Thursday after an incident involving a dog Marquez's situation is a little less clear. Foot problems scratched Josh from the opener but early indications are Josh too should be available to play on Thursday.Barnes continues to deal with a broken thumb prohibiting the third baseman from suiting up again on Thursday. Chavez, nursed a badly sprained thumb in the opener, could still feel the affects when making contact at the plate
• WHEN ITS OVER - TOO CLOSE TO CALL - It's still to early to predict the outcome of a game between these two teams. In the preseason, facing Bates the first time, 6 of 7 Braves struck out over two innings. In the second and final game, a totally different team produced 5 runs off the ACE in the first inning. So it depends on which Braves team shows up Thursday. If they hit, they win. The Braves have the stronger over all lineup, but lack the power of the Padres. Padres & Dodgers throw harder, but not as accurate as the host of pitchers
  

SO WHAT IF WE'RE TOTALLY WRONG??- If we're totally wrong then please be very clear in your comments so we can learn from them. We feel if Bates shuts down the Braves, the Padres could win a tight one. Braves hit and throw strikes and they'll win. Which could really open up the league just here in the first week. y will win. Each team has 6 hits on the season, Each gave up only 1. Should be interesting.