The Braves were swept on opening weekend for the first time since 2003, a season they won 103 games and claimed a National League East championship. No one is suggesting the club will find equal success this time around, but to already have serious doubts about the team at this point is pretty silly.
For the cliff jumpers out there, keep in mind that the Yankees, Red Sox and Giants are all winless. The Orioles started off 2011 with a record of 4-0. Where did that get them?
Now if the Braves are winless once the time the upcoming series with the Astros wraps up, then it can be time to consider drastic change. But panicking after three games, all of which were decided by two runs or fewer? Come on.
After 27 innings of play, Atlanta has scored a total of seven runs. The club was held scoreless for the first 13 innings of the season, so perhaps the seven runs in the last 14 innings can be an encouraging note. Jason Heyward stood out the most to me in New York; he recorded a double and triple in spacious Citi Field, stole a base, drove in two runs and also drew two walks. Most importantly, he looked to have his timing down.
Tommy Hanson pitched very well on Thursday. He had full command of his curveball and used it effectively against a decent Mets lineup. His fastball also rested in the low-to-mid 90s, a very encouraging sign coming off shoulder issues last summer. Jair Jurrjens was equally unimpressive, needing upwards of 100 pitches to record just 13 outs.
The Braves will face the Astros for a three-game series in Houston starting Monday evening.