As the Gwinnett Braves wrap up their second homestand and complete the first month of the season, they could be labeled a “work in progress” or “almost there.” The G-Braves have a 14-10 record and maintain a slim lead in the International League’s Southern Division over the Durham Bulls, but there is still room for improvement.
How can a team in first place be a work in progress? Because at the AAA level so much is about rounding out the skill sets of some really good players, polishing the rough edges on future major league stalwarts and developing the finer elements of team play. Gwinnett Manager Dave Brundage has a clear perspective on his club and how he plans to proceed.
Minutes after an extra inning loss on Sunday, Brundage was sitting behind his desk near the team’s clubhouse. As is his style, he preferred to look at the big picture rather than gloat about being a first-place team on the first of May.
When questioned on the state of his team with April in the score books, he started with the G-Braves’ biggest strength, the pitching.
“The one constant [this year] is we’ve had outstanding pitching from day one,” he said.”
Brundage speaks the truth. Major League veteran Rodrigo Lopez and the top prospect in the Braves system, Julio Teheran, are a combined 7-0. Both have ERAs under 2.00. Mike Minor (who has already been called up to the Atlanta club for one start this season) is 1-1, but his ERA is a paltry 1.75. The relief core has been very impressive as well. The ERA for the starters and relievers combined is also tiny: 2.56.
Aside from the pitching and (especially the starting pitching), there is some fine tuning to be done.
“It’s our job from an offensive standpoint to manufacture runs, get ourselves a lead, and hold those leads,” continued Brundage. “We’ve played some good baseball, but at times, it’s been feast or famine. We need to eliminate the peaks and valleys to be a better ballclub.”
Before heading off to the shower, the only manager Gwinnett has ever known summed up his ballclub’s opportunities to improve as prospects individually, and collectively as a winning team. “We handle the bat pretty well. We don’t have an amazing amount of power, but we’re capable of knocking the ball out of the ballpark. We’re also capable of playing hit and run. That’s how you’re going to win close ballgames.”
Loading ...
