The Atlanta Braves received an infusion of energy to their starting rotation with Wednesday's Major League debut of Ian Anderson stifling the New York Yankees.
The guys at the Batter Up! Podcast enjoyed watching Anderson's six-inning, one hit performance from a guy who definitely "looked the part".
Will Palaszczuk said, "I feel like he cherished the moment and thrived in the moment. I thought he was going to have find another pitch or change his variance in the changeup, but in terms of the live arm & pure stuff, it's everything we were promised."
Caleb Johnson also said Anderson can find favor with manager Brian Snitker by doing something Anderson's prospect predecessors had trouble with. "It's been a while since we've seen someone other than Max Fried look that confident on the mound," Johnson said. "As Snit said a million times Wednesday, he was throwing strikes. Thank goodness, I hope this continues."
Joe Patrick believes the performance validates the Braves' formula for scouting pitchers, which had come under scrutiny with some underwhelming outings from its young corps. "It was refreshing to see a top prospect and a guy touted by fans & people in the organization come through in that situation," Patrick said. "I think it says a lot about his mentality, his demeanor & what he can provide for this team."
With Tuesday's Trade Deadline approaching, the Braves still need to find pitching to complement Anderson & Max Fried in order to set them up for the last half of the season & beyond.
Palaszczuk says, "You're going to have a hard time finding teams wanting to give up guys under team control beyond this year, unless you dip into the prospect well, which we believe the Braves aren't inclined to do at this point."
Johnson adds, "I think you have to go get someone, I don't think you can trust Josh Tomlin being your third starter. You've got to secure another arm."
Patrick believes the Braves should be aggressive, after handling a brutal August schedule better than many expected. "This team should be looking at themselves as a playoff team," Patrick said. "You have to solidify who is in the playoff rotation, because this team should be looking at how they can strengthen their position to make a run."
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