Atlanta Brave legend Dale Murphy joined Dukes & Bell to talk about the Braves win last night, Steve Blass’ controversial comments about Ronald Acuña Jr., and Austin Riley’s continued success early in his young career.
When asked about Pirates announcer Steve Blass’ comments.
“I didn’t know Steve Blass was still doing this.” Murphy said “Nothing against him, you know my daughter Mattie says she feels discrimination against millennials all the time, it’s really strange to hear when guys have been wearing jewelry all the time. It’s weird when you hear old guys talk about young guys and expecting them to behave like they did 50 years ago.”
Dale talked about his experience with a player coming onto the scene much like Austin Riley has.
“I was asked the other day who is one guy you played with that lived up to the hype?” Murphy said “It was definitely Bob Horner, now that’s nothing compared to what Austin Riley has done, but I remember when we signed Horner he said he’s not playing in the minors, and we said who does this guy think he is?”
Murph talked about Riley staying hot.
“He looks like he’s been up there for 10 years.” Murphy said “He’s not just hitting mistakes to left field, that ball last night was an outside breaking ball and he took it down the right field line, it’s been so fun to watch. Once the Braves fans get to know Austin, he’s just an easy guy to root for."
Dale said there is a little concern about Fried’s recent outings.
“You look at his last two games and you get concerned.” Murphy said “Our offense doesn’t care if anyone gives up runs, but we have to get innings, I’m a little concerned, but all good pitchers tend to struggle the first couple of innings. So he has to do something to get thru the first couple of innings so he can make it through more innings.”
