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As 2017 comes to a close we look back at what was an eventful year for the Atlanta Braves and us here at Talking Chop. There were a lot of things to be excited about and quite a few things that disappointed us, but it was never not entertaining.
Here we look back at our favorite stories that we did in 2017. As you can see, there is a lot and we hope there is even more in 2018.
This is also the time where we thank you the reader and everyone who took the time to click, comment or share our work. The community here is Talking Chop’s best attribute and we appreciate you all.
If you see something that you think should have made the list let us know. Also, tell us what your favorite thing was in 2017. What would you like to see from us in 2018?
Prospect Interviews
Our minor league writers have always made it a priority to get out there and talk to players and give you some insights that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Mid-Season Prospect List
Talking Chop Mid-Season Top 30
Our top prospects list is always a hit and we will have a new one coming up soon.
Podcast
We are coming up on the two year anniversary of the Talking Chop Podcast. I am excited about the way it has grown and Brad has done a great job as host. If you are a regular listener thank you. If you haven’t given it a shot yet then you can find all of the episodes in the link above. Please subscribe as we will be coming up on our 100th episode soon.
January
The Evolution of the Braves’ farm system in the past 5 years
Eric takes a look back at the five-year evolution of Atlanta’s farm system beginning in 2012 through 2017. It is an interesting look to see just how quickly things turned around.
A look back at the Roger McDowell Era in Atlanta
The Braves replaced longtime pitching coach Roger McDowell with Chuck Hernandez in 2017. Ivan takes a deep dive into what the McDowell era was and wasn’t in Atlanta.
February
Prospect Profile: Ronald Acuna
Garrett Spain profiles Ronald Acuna before he began his assent as one of the best prospects in the game.
March
What would it take for a miracle run for the 2017 Braves?
Hey we can all dream right? Demetrius Bell on what the 2017 Braves needed to have happen for a miracle run.
Mike Soroka and why arm slot doesn’t really matter
One of my favorite articles of the year as Garrett takes a closer look at Mike Soroka’s mechanics.
The WBC is great even with its flaws
The World Baseball Classic was awesome in 2017 and Dillon Cloud discusses why even with its flaws.
Atlanta Braves hoping to take next step in rebuilding process
No one really expected the Atlanta Braves to compete in 2017 but there were still goals that they were reaching for.
What the FIP!? Comparing Julio Teheran and Jose Quintana
Another favorite as Ivan and Eric Cole dig into the similarities and differences of Julio Teheran and then White Sox starter Jose Quintana.
April
Watch out for shifts: Where defensive alignments could hurt Atlanta Braves hitters
Ivan on shifts and which players could be hurt the most by opposing defensive alignments.
A Guide to the new Food options at SunTrust Park
Guarav Vedak previews the many new menu options at SunTrust Park.
May
What should the Atlanta Braves expect from Brandon Phillips?
Brad Rowland on what the Braves should expect from Brandon Phillips. I’d say he met most expectations.
Why I am a fan of the Atlanta Braves
Demetrius answers the question that many of us have asked ourselves repeatedly.
Talking Chop’s Top 100 Draft Prospects with Scouting Reports
Our 2017 Draft coverage kicked into high gear with the release of Matt Powers’ Top 100 draft prospects.
June
Would you believe me if I told you Emilio Bonifacio was able to stick on the Braves roster until the beginning of June. Yeah me either.
Introducing the newest Brave Sean Newcomb
Sean Newcomb made his major league debut in early June and Garrett tells us what we should expect.
Introducing Braves First Rounder Kyle Wright
Garrett adds his thoughts on Braves first round pick Kyle Wright.
Tyler Flowers, Brandon Phillips and evolving (or not)
Ivan weighs in on the career-resurgence by Tyler Flowers and Brandon Phillips.
Bryse Wilson is quietly becoming one of the Braves’ best pitching prospects
Eric on how Bryse Wilson’s 2017 season cemented his spot as one of the Braves’ best pitching prospects.
July
Benching Dansby Swanson is a mistake
Dansby Swanson was relegated to a bench role in July and Ivan tells us why that was a mistake.
The Braves farm system is about to radically change whether you like it or not
Eric touched on this theme more than once in 2017. The Braves have built a strong farm system but you shouldn’t be surprised when they start flipping prospects for other assets.
August
Is Ronald Acuna Baseball’s Next Top Prospect
Ronald Acuna began the season in High-A but then quickly advanced his way through the minors. Guarav takes a closer look at his rise not only in regards as the Braves’ top prospect but to being one of the best overall prospects in baseball.
The Braves haven’t gotten a lot of mileage out of young players…..so far
Since Atlanta’s rebuild began, the team hasn’t gotten a lot of mileage out of young players. Hopefully that changes in 2018.
September
The Evolution of Ronald Acuna into a superstar prospect
We all love Ronald Acuna. Matt Powers weighs in on his meteoric rise.
The Braves scouting department is changing, but it is more important than ever
Eric on the reasons why Atlanta’s scouting department is more important than ever.
Why 2018 is the most important year in the Atlanta Braves rebuild
On that note, Matt tells us why 2018 is the most important year in Atlanta’s rebuild.
October
Mapping the talent that John Coppolella’s trades have produced
John Coppolella resignation and subsequent banishment from baseball gave the Atlanta Braves a black eye but as Garrett points out, it wasn’t all bad during his tenure.
November
Hiring Alex Anthopoulos is a great start, but now Braves fans need to be patient
Coming out of the Coppolella/MLB investigation disaster, hiring Alex Anthopoulos to oversee the team’s baseball operations was about the best case scenario for the Atlanta Braves. Now Eric tells everyone why they must be patient after the change.
Breaking Down Alex Anthopoulos’ Career and every move
Matt goes in depth on Anthopoulos’ career.
Braves sidestep pitfalls with independant Anthopoulos
Ivan on why hiring Anthopoulos and giving him control of baseball operations was a big win for the Atlanta Braves.
Ivan also attempts to put a monetary value on the penalties issued to the Braves by Major League Baseball.
December
What the Matt Kemp trade means for the Braves
Dillon explains why the Braves took on so much salary in 2018 to rid themselves of Matt Kemp.