re: *** 2023 Braves - World Series or Bust ***

As far as re-signing Dansby goes... it'll be really interested to see what they do this off-season. Anthopoulos and ownership have said that they expect to become a big market, top 5 payroll over the next few years with the next TV deal (which will be massive) and the success of merchandise sales and the Battery bringing in huge revenue. If they don't resign Dansby, can find a way to unload Ozuna's albatross contract, and Jansen's $16 million coming off the books, I'll be interested to see who they might go after. Do they elect to not re-sign Dansby and go after a different SS (Trea Turner will be very expensive... so will Bogaerts)? Do they get in the Judge sweepstakes? How expensive will Degrom be with all the injuries? Will they be able to reach an extension with Fried and lock him down? Generally Braves management is pretty smart and doesn't go after the massive long-term deals, preferring shorter term contracts for a little more money per year. That strategy probably won't work on any on that list except maybe Degrom (because of all the injuries). It'll be a really fascinating off-season seeing which direction they decide to go. There's so much young talent locked up for the next few years that they should be in contention for a long time.

Braves win the 2-game series against Boston! :)!

Welp:

The Braves have placed left-handed pitcher Max Fried on the seven-day concussion IL, retroactive to Aug. 8.

The injury stems from a play in Fried’s last start on Aug. 6 against the Mets, when the Braves’ ace awkwardly fell and hit his head on the ground while trying to throw home in the third inning. Fried stayed in the game and finished six innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits, but he has been dealing with concussion-like symptoms since.

The injury is a bump in the road for the Braves' rotation, as Fried has stood out with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 22 starts this season. He has also been Atlanta's workhorse, tossing a team-high 138 1/3 innings.

Fried was in line to start the Braves’ series opener against the Marlins on Friday. He will be eligible to return early next week, meaning he’d only miss one start, although he may miss more time depending on when his symptoms resolve.

Right-hander Jay Jackson was recalled from Gwinnett in Fried’s place. Jackson has a 2.13 ERA in 12 appearances out of the Stripers' bullpen this year. He last pitched in MLB in 2021 for the Giants, tallying a 3.74 ERA in 23 games (one start).

Dude's extremely confident, talented, fun to watch.
Impressed the moment he arrived from Mississippi and hasn't let up.
Grissom's been impressive thus far as well.

It's just A ball, but the fact that Soroka is able to be overpowering at any level is really encouraging given what has happened to him over the last couple of years.

Huge series win.
Back to 3.5 out.
Max Fried masterpiece.
Harris/Grissom clutch studs.

Unfortunately all deadline moves don't work out as well as last year's did. Iglesias and Grossman have both been really good so far though, and Odorizzi isn't ending up on the playoff roster anyway. Soroka's next rehab start is going to be in Gwinnett too. I still don't think we see him in the majors until next year, but obviously they're trying to see if he can make a few appearances this year.

You have to be kidding me.

Straight up loser, get him out