Starting 9 Episode 60 Featuring Mike Foltynewicz Of The Atlanta Braves
On Starting 9 Episode 60, we’ve got Mike Foltynewicz of the Atlanta Braves on with us. We talk to Folty about people messing up the pronunciation of his name growing up, who he idolized as a kid, if he felt anything after being traded from the Astros when they won the World Series, his fastball velocity being up this year, becoming a father at the start of the season, what his expectations were for the Braves at the start of the year and how they’ve evolved, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s impact on the Braves this season, and a LOT more.
Outside of the interview, we’re talking about the NL West race, the Dodgers being back from the dead, Blake Snell’s Cy Young-worthy season, Trevor Story’s UCL injury, Aaron Judge returning from the disabled list, Marlins Man signing a one-day contract with the Marlins, and an all new National League version of the Hut Seat segment where Dallas and I say yes or no to the following hot takes and explain why:
Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr. is already one of the 5 best players in the National League.
Phillies: Aaron Nola’s 2018 is the best season by a Phillies pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1980.
Nationals: Juan Soto is already better than Bryce Harper.
Mets: We are currently witnessing what will be the best season of Zack Wheeler’s career.
Marlins: The Marlins will win the NL East at least once while Derek Jeter is involved with the organization.
Cubs: in a must-win playoff game, the correct choice for the Cubs would still be Jon Lester.
Brewers: Jesus Aguilar’s first half was a mirage.
Cardinals: The best place for Carlos Martinez moving forward is in the bullpen.
Pirates: Fans will ultimately look back on the trade for Chris Archer as a disappointment for the Pirates.
Reds: Eugenio Suarez is the most ‘underrated’ position player in the NL.
Dodgers: The Dodgers have the best offense in baseball.
Rockies: At the end of this season, Kyle Freeland’s 2018 will be the best single-season Rockies pitching performance in franchise history.
Diamondbacks: Zack Greinke is going to end up making the Hall of Fame.
Giants: We have already seen Madison Bumgarner’s best single-season campaign (regular season).
Padres: The Padres will win the NL West at least once in the next 4 seasons (2019-22).
We finish the show off with some Twitter questions from the Grounds Crew and final thoughts.
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