Springtime in metro Atlanta is quickly turning into summertime. Some truths are already self-evident. Kids will chase ice cream trucks like dogs after the mailman. Gas prices will climb to scary heights. The Weather Channel will predict a 40 percent chance of rain for most every day through July.
For the Gwinnett Braves, there are also some constant refrains. The G-Braves’ starting pitching will be the strength of the team, and manager Dave Brundage will want his offense to always be more aggressive than the night before.
All this said, there is something that is sure to be in flux for the entire summer: the G-Braves roster. Already this season, the G-Braves have had 37 personnel transactions. Last year, they did not make 37 roaster moves until mid-June. That makes a lot of work for folks in Lawrenceville that sew the names on the back of the players’ jerseys.
The 2011 G-Braves, in any configuration, are figuring out ways to win, despite the roster moves. Through 41 games, this year’s team has found four more wins than the 2010 edition. They continue to hold to second place in the International League South division and are in solid position for a playoff run. Probably because their manager has weathered storms and squalls before, and his message is unflinching.
Brundage is the only manager in the Gwinnett edition of the AAA Braves affiliate. He’s been around the block. As a former minor league position player and pitcher, he’s qualified to asses the entire roster, his position players and his pitchers. As far arms go, Brundage confirms the obvious storyline in 2011, “Our starting pitching has given us a way to win ball games.” The G-Braves staff includes the top starting pitching prospects in the organization, Julio Teheran and Mike Minor. This rotation is led by major league veteran Rodrigo Lopez, and the number four starter, Todd Redmond, happens to be the only pitcher with a complete game this spring.
Offensively, Brundage mantra is for whoever is in uniform to execute fundamental, opportunistic baseball, “In my eyes, we’re not aggressive enough at all. … I’d like to see us take more chances. Just because you’re an average runner or below average runner doesn’t mean you can’t steal bases. I know we’re going to be a better base running team in the second half of the season.”
The G-Braves, the manager will soon notch his 1000th career victory as a manager bouncing every half inning between the third base coach’s box to the dugout. He is straightforward, direct and understands what works in baseball’s second highest level. The message is “We can play better. [The players] know we can play better. It’s about playing on all cylinders and taking advantage of the opportunities.”
All minor league teams are works in progress and player development. A wise lifer like Brundage acknowledges this and never seems to lose perspective. Having a bit of fun with the media before a shower and beginning a nine day exodus from Coolray Field, Brundage joked about why his team has a slightly better record on the road this season, “Maybe it’s the home cooking. We’re fed very well here. Maybe these guys need to go on the road to get hungry.”
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