HOF pitcher and Braves legend John Smoltz joined Dukes & Bell to talk about opening day tomorrow for the Braves and can Austin Riley build on his outstanding 2021 season?
When asked if Riley can improve on his 2021 campaign.
“I do, I think he can improve on the consistency with cutting more down on his strikeouts. I think if the Braves have one issue offensively that they could get a little better at, I mean every team has this issue, but the teams that usually win are the teams that cut down their strikeouts when they need it in the postseason,” Smoltz said. “If the Braves and all their power and thunder, if they don’t expose themselves meaning a pitcher has an opportunity to expand the zone on them, they’re gonna be a tough out.”
John talked about why this Braves lineup is so stout.
“The Braves have a tremendous amount of power, they also have that speed if they want to utilize it so collectively what happens is Austin Riley benefits from a Matt Olson, you just go right down the line each guy does their job you’re in a better position because of the guy before you and after you, the last thing you want to do is be the guy that everybody pitches to because they’re pitching around the guy before you.”
Smoltz said Riley being the everyday is a big reason why he will continue to get better.
“I think what Austin Riley has done has been amazing because he knows now he’s checked in as a big leaguer, he’s going to be given the job every day and that’s kinda like a professional golfer that gets his card. They relax, they play better, because they’re no longer playing for their lives so I think there’s a lot to be said for that and that Austin Riley knows he’s going to be in there and he can do his thing.”