Prior to Mark Teixeira’s recent hot streak, which has landed him on base safely with a hit in 18 of the past 22 games, Atlanta’s all-star first baseman raised his batting average from a dreadful .156 to a more respectable .267.
In the past 10 games, Teixeira has batted .333, with a .422 on-base percentage. With the clean-up hitter gathering more hits and walks, any pitcher coming up against the Braves’ most valuable player thus far, Chipper Jones, will have no choice but to give him something to hit.
The sight at the beginning of the season was Chipper getting on base with one out, only to be left at first base after a Mark Teixeira out. Now the hot bat of Teixeira will allow more RBI opportunities for Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur.
This is exactly what happened in the past series with the Reds, in which the Braves plated an impressive 25 runs in a three-game span, along with a series sweep.
With the upcoming three-game series against the struggling San Diego Padres, the Braves will need Teixeira’s bat if they hope to come out with wins against dominant pitcher, Chris Young, and reigning Cy Young winner, Jake Peavy.
Atlanta’s starting pitching is finally coming around. With Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan soon to return from the disabled list, the Braves hope to start performing in accordance with pre-season predictions.
If Teixeira can continue his hot streak into the summer months (he hit .327 with 17 home runs and 56 RBI in 54 games with the Braves last year) Atlanta can hope to be in the heat of the playoff race come September.
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5 months ago
Good to finally see Tex pulling his weight. Nice use of stats in this article.
5 months ago
I give it a 10!
pap
5 months ago
Tex has seemingly shaken off the cobwebs of Spring Training. I think we all knew he would come around. Kotsay is also starting to contribute. If the Braves are going to get going offensively, they will have to Tex's stick. He has to protect Chipper; and as you have mentioned, he must set the table for Francouer and McCann.
With all the things that have gone wrong with the Braves pitching and offense, one thing I am sure glad to see (or not see) is the absence of Andruw Jones in this lineup. Andruw was such a rally killer last year and offered no protection to Chipper. If Mr. Larry can stay healthy and get protection in the batting order, I believe he can have a stellar season, go to the All-Star game and take home another NL MVP award.
With Smoltz back int he closer's role, I will not hold my breath on Soriano any more than I would for Hampton. For the Braves to challenge the surprising Marlins, powerful Phils and talent-deep Mets, Huddy, Glavine and Jurrjens need to continue to eat up innings, Reyes needs to keep throwing strikes, Smoltz has to stay healthy, Tex and Kotsay must produce AND the middle relievers have to pitch well.
Tex is back; and that is a very goos start.
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