The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to an interesting start to their season. I think no one thought that the Philadelphia Phillies would sweep the hometown team to start the season.
Coming into the season though, there was a certain level of expectation that went with the amount of money that was spent to shore up the starting rotation. So far, Drew Smyly, who received $11 million, hasn't quite lived up to that contract. Gabe Burns, of The Atlanta Journal Constitution, joined The Jon Chuckery Show to expound on that notion. "It's been a mixed bag," Burns said.
Through two starts, Smyly has allowed nine earned runs in 11 innings of work. His 11 strikeouts with only one walk look great, but the runs need to slow.
There is an argument to be made for Smyly that it is early in the season and the pitchforks should remain in storage for now. However, if this continues, one should make sure that the pitchfork is clean, and ready to use in the next 30 days.