re: 2019 Atlanta Braves season long in-game thread

quote:

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Minor injuries in March are nothing to be worried about.

As for Newcomb, did you watch him last year? His stuff has nasty movement. He doesn't hit the strike zone, he uses movement to fool hitters to swing and miss. This is brilliant against aggressive hitters which is what the Phillies and Nationals will be comprised of. All he needs is a little momentum in the first inning and he is good. Not to mention he was a rookie last year, I'm sure he will be more confident in hitting the corners this year

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A shoulder injury that has kept a player out since last year, and soreness in a pitching elbow is far from minor.

Newcomb was not a rookie last year, and it doesnt matter what kind of stuff you have, if you cant consistently get the ball in the zone, you arent going to be successful, and Newcomb has averaged over 4.5 BB/9 since his full season debut in professional baseball in 2015, and yes Spring Training is used for players to get ready for the season and to work on pitches, but he walked 15 in 21 innings. To blindly think he is going to get better as a 26 year old is not smart.