Atlanta Braves Fan Confidence Gets A Heyward Bump

by gondeee on Mar 8, 2010 8:33 AM EST

The optimism of Braves fans continues to climb in the early days of spring training, helped along by the good showing of the starting pitchers this spring and by the young phenom who would become the team's new right fielder. Surely the bump in the fan confidence from 75 to 77 is an reflection of the work that Jason Heyward has done at the plate this spring. While we knew he might be a factor, now we have reason to believe that he will be an impact player sooner rather than later.

This was the fifth straight two-week period of increase in the Fan Confidence Poll (FCP). Back in December the rating stood at 65, the low point of the off-season. Since then it has risen slowly but steadily each week, and now finds itself at the highest point it has ever been at since the inception of the poll one year ago. Naturally this time of year is the most optimistic, and the FCP is certainly reflective of that optimism.

Fcp-20100305_medium

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I’d like to see McLouth and Chipper doing a little more with the bat, but it’s still early. Everyone else seems to be doing well and the team looks good.

by BahamaBrave on Mar 8, 2010 9:39 AM EST reply actions

I don't think that's a "Heyward bump"...

If it were, the FCP would be at 770%, not 77%.

"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson

by Jacob Peterson on Mar 8, 2010 10:34 AM EST reply actions

Glaus

I honestly think the biggest key for Atlanta this year is a healthy Troy Glaus. Which he has looked so far. If he’s healthy there’s no reason to expect anything less from him than his career averages, which would make a huge difference in this offense. That’s why I am more confident.

by JFP on Mar 8, 2010 10:40 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

this

by kreese555 on Mar 9, 2010 4:05 AM EST up reply actions

Take a hit on opening day

Hope this doesn’t take a hit on opening day when Heyward gets the Longoria treatment and starts the season with the AAA club for a couple of weeks.

by Colombianconnection on Mar 8, 2010 10:43 AM EST reply actions

My vote dropped too far

Went from 8 to 5, should have voted 7. Worried about Saito and Chavez in the pen, Valdez a no-show, Chipper and McLouth at the plate, Schafer saying his wrist is not there yet and Delgado’s car wreck. On the positive side, Heyward is as advertised, Glaus looks good at 1st and the plate, Cabrera better than I expected and Conrad having a good spring.

by bighop on Mar 8, 2010 11:03 AM EST reply actions

Anyone know when the minor leaguers report?

have they already and if so any updates on them?

by Mr. Sanchez on Mar 8, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure the pitchers and catchers are all down there and most of the hitters. I know by the time I’m down there this weekend they’ll have started their full workouts.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Mar 8, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

And I expect extensive reports on EVERYONE...

after you arrive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrTsuvykUZk

by Mr. Sanchez on Mar 8, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Your confidence in the organization as a whole dropped 3 points based on a few minor things in the first couple days of ST? Wow, I’d hate to spill any milk around you.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Mar 8, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

i'm an unapologetic 8.

call me a homer, but i believe in this team.

by kreese555 on Mar 9, 2010 4:06 AM EST up reply actions

I am very confident (9) in the team this year. Glaus is looking good, as are Hinske and Cabrera. B-Mac should have another great year, especially hitting behing Glaus. With Escobar hitting 6th or 7th (depending on the “Heyward Factor”), he has 100 RBI potential, assuming, of course, that Heyward does not bat in front of him, clearing out many RBI opportunities. Chipper will bounce back. If he has an average (for him) year, .300+ BA, 20-25 HR, 90-100 RBI, 100BB, look out.

The starters look great so far. Hudson looks like he will easily make up Vazquez’s void in the rotation. JJ’s shoulder seems to be progressing nicely. Lowe seems to be back in the groove and should give us at least another 15 wins and 200+ innings. Hanson will be in the rotation from Day 1. KK is prmed to have a 12-15 win season.

There are lots of bullpen options. Wagner/Saito/Moylan should be lights out. It’s possible we could have a “Closer by Committee”, depending on the game situation and rest factors. Middle and long relief is coming around. Medlen seems to be getting groomed for this and as a spot starter. I really like the way things are shaping up.

by DawgB on Mar 9, 2010 10:19 AM EST reply actions

Apparently, JoJo has emerged as a possible BP arm too. I like that idea a lot!

"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."

by justincredubil02 on Mar 9, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Yup, JoJo is looking good so far. Everyone seems to get down on him a lot, but some players take longer to develop. Maybe ther won’t be so much pressure on him this year and he can get a lot of work in Gwinett. Dunn is a possibility and Proctor is waiting in the wings by the beginning of May, if not sooner.

by DawgB on Mar 9, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions