Game of the Week: June 21: ATL @ NYM

[Commissioner Erick]

Atlanta Braves (21-50) @ New York Mets (40-31)


ATL: Jim Morgan (2-3, 2.70)
NYM: Eric Pena (9-3, 2.22)


The Atlanta Braves continue to be horrid as Julio Arroyo leaches money out of the market and into his pockets. Universally regarded as one of the worst owners in the league, he’s put GM Rick Brehm in an unwinnable position. The Braves are battling gamely, but Atlanta has the worst offense in the league with a few good pieces, and a lot of dreck. Jordan Cabral is one of the legitimate good pieces, with 20 homers already, a .276 average, and the makeup of a good middle-of-the order slugger. Jim Morgan has also turned his career around, as he has 11 homers, a .245 average, and a 2.70 ERA. However, six players are hitting .216 or less, and it’s hard to carve out a good offense with those figures.

They’ll battle the division leading Mets, who are 40-31, but are dealing with some injuries. Veterans Dansby Swanson and Christian Arroyo are hitting reasonably well, but will miss the next several weeks. Surprise stalwart Andy Fleck is on a similar timeline after straining is back. It will put a lot of pressure on New York’s depth.

They may not need much offense for today though with Eric Pena on the hill. Pena is 9-3 with a 2.22 ERA and 128 strikeouts, leading the league in each category, and his 3.9 WAR is 0.9 ahead of second place Liam Thomas. Pena’s also posting exceptional walk and strikeout rates, and is looking like every bit the first ballot Hall of Famer he was in his heyday with Washington. He’s allowed more than three runs once all season, so Atlanta will need to win a rock fight to pull off a win.


Questions for the GMs:


For Rick Brehm, Rafael Lozana has shoulder tendinitis. Will he see the IL?

How do you feel about your draft helping you close your talent deficit to the rest of the league?

Your team has decent pop, but no ability to hit for average. Do you feel you need to balance that out?

For Ryan Morneau, who will replace your injured infielders this week?

Who will replace Andy Fleck in the lineup and roster this week?

Your offense is 11th in runs scored. Do you feel it’s good enough to make a title run this year?


TRIVIA: Eric Pena debuted in 2022 and leads the PBA in strikeouts since then with 3065. Who is second?

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA: Jay correctly guessed Shane Baz.

[Commissioner Erick]

Mets 10 - Braves 2


WP: F. Pena (10-3)
LP: J. Morgan (2-4)


The New York Mets stopped the Atlanta Braves, 10-2, at Citi Field. The Mets got a big game from Jim Sattler, who hit 2 home runs, while scoring 3 and driving in 5. Eric Pena got the win, improving to 10-3. He worked 5 innings, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, while striking out 10 and walking 2. The Braves, at 21-51, have lost 7 straight games.

Sattler contributed in the bottom of the first. With a runner on 2nd, he hit a 2-run home run. It was one at-bat among others that helped New York get the win.

"Winning never gets dull," said Sattler.



Questions for the GMs:


For Rick Brehm, tough day at the office, but Jordan Cabral had a nice day with two hits and a walk. How much upside does the rookie have?

Did you agree with Paul Mowry pinch hitting for Sonny Badillo in the sixth when you had two on and nobody out?

Dingus went 0-4 and has taken a step back since a strong 2030 season. How prominently does he figure in your future plans?

For Ryan Morneau, Donovan Rickman made his PBA debut and went 0-4. What did you see out there from him?

Jorge Ontiveros has excelled in your bullpen since you picked him up prior to last season. Did you expect him to become one of the premier relievers in the league under your watch?

Cesar D. Izturis is obviously primarily a defensive asset for you, but after his 1-4 game with a run and an RBI, how nice is it to see him carrying a .295 average?


TRIVIA: Who is the only Brave to have 200+ hits in a season?

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 2: Tim correctly guessed Juan Gestoso