Atlanta Braves broadcaster Chip Caray discusses reaching the part of Spring Training that the players just want real action and MLB's Opening Day taking place in Tokyo Wednesday.
He explains some of the challenges the team will face to start the season with so many injuries to the pitching staff.
"Some guys are going to have to step up in unfamiliar roles and pitch in critical, meaningful innings earlier than anybody intended," Caray said.
.@Julio_Teheran will make his sixth consecutive Opening Day start, which ties the modern era franchise record for a pitcher! Hall-of-Famer Warren Spahn also started six straight Milwaukee openers from 1957-1962.Teheran is 1-1 with a 2.73 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/HeD8ppVTc0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 18, 2019Caray looks at Julio Teheran being named the Opening Day starter.
"With Gausman and Folty banged up, he's the logical choice," said Caray. "And if he can control Bryce Harper in that game, I like Julio's chances."
Julio Teheran will be #Braves Opening Day starter. While I'm higher than most on Teheran at least matching 2018, I look at Bryce Harper & shudder. No one has more HRs (8) off Teheran than Harper. In 52 PAs, he has 19 RBI & a .450 average. OPS is 1.702 in his career vs. Teheran.
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) March 20, 2019He also touches on Mike Trout getting nearly a half-billion dollar contract. Who might be next to get a number close to that big? Will they get a good return on that investment?
"Have to assume Mike Trout wouldn't sign that deal unless the Angels were serious about getting to the playoffs," said Caray.
He also discusses what is most important for the 2019 Braves to have a chance to repeat.
"Pitching is going to be the key for this team, health and maturation will be two huge steps," said Caray.
