Stephen Tolbert

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports It’s important to remember the Braves aren’t built around one player. Opening Day 2023 was a good news, bad news situation for the Braves. The good news is they beat the Nationals 7-2 Thursday afternoon, moving their record to 1-0, which is tied for the highest winning percentage in the history of baseball after one game, held by several other teams. The bad news is staff ace Max Fried pulled up lame in the 4th inning after covering first base and was immediately removed from the game with an apparent hamstring injury. Listening to...

Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via In Episode 35 of the Podcast to be Named Later, Kris Willis and Stephen Tolbert discuss Max Fried’s hamstring injury and how the Atlanta Braves might handle the rotation while he is out. They also discussed Thursday’s 7-2 Opening Day win over the Washington Nationals, including thoughts on the performance of Travis d’Arnaud and Atlanta’s bullpen. Finally, the guys discuss the new three-year contract that the Braves gave Orlando Arcia. Please check out the podcast via Apple Podcasts(where we strongly encourage you to leave a...

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Kris and Stephen are back with episode 34 of The Podcast to be Named Later. In Episode 34 of The Podcast to be Named Later, Kris and Stephen talk about the decision and the fallout of the stunning shortstop decision, plus cover Raisel Iglesias’ shoulder injury. The guys also discuss the final outfield decisions, the bench as a whole, plus the thrill of watching Michael Soroka’s debut. Please check out the podcast via Apple Podcasts(where we strongly encourage you to leave a five-star review and rating), Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM,...

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports The Blue Jays look like one of the best young teams in baseball. Fueled by one of the best collections of position players in baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays won 92 games last year, earning a Wild Card spot and officially putting the American League on notice that a new power may be emerging. Nothing in the off-season has changed that fact, as Toronto once again should be one of the best teams in baseball in 2023. Expectations for 2023 Most of the projection systems view Toronto in more or less the same light. FanGraphs sees a 89-73...

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Stephen and guest Scott Coleman break down a surprising move two weeks out from opening day. In Episode 33 of The Podcast to be Named Later, Stephen is joined by friend of the program Scott Coleman to talk about the surprising roster move the Atlanta Braves made on Tuesday and what it means for the Opening Day roster. The guys also discuss the current state of the bullpen, the different options for the bench, and how it’s all going to shake out come March 30th. Please check out the podcast via Apple Podcasts (where we strongly encourage...

Photo by Bryan Cereijo/ Braves continue to make Spring Training cuts. The Braves optioned RHP Ian Anderson and RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett Tuesday afternoon, reducing the number of players in major league camp to 50. The #Braves today optioned RHP Ian Anderson and RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta now has 50 total players in camp.— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 14, 2023 It’s a somewhat surprising move considering both pitchers were among the favorites to win the 5th starter spot out of Spring Training. This move doesn't completely rule...

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Kris and Stephen are back with another episode of The Podcast to be Named Later. In Episode 32 of The Podcast to be Named Later, Kris and Stephen update the ongoing Spring Training storylines as certain favorites begin to emerge, and also discuss a full 26-man opening day roster prediction. Please check out the podcast via Apple Podcasts(where we strongly encourage you to leave a five-star review and rating), Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Google Podcasts, or you can find us at our MegaPhone page for all the latest.

Photo by Julio Aguilar/ Braves’ rookie Dylan Dodd struggles against star-studded Dominican Republic team. Braves’ rookie pitcher Dylan Dodd struggled Wednesday afternoon against maybe the greatest team of all time, as the Braves fell 9-0. Pretty much anyone who can spell baseball agrees the Dominican Republic is the odds-on favorite to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and they showed their strength Wednesday, admittedly against mostly bench players and minor leaguers for Atlanta. Dodd looked good early on. After giving up a lead-off single to Mariners star Julio...

Photo by Todd Kirkland/ Spring Training is underway! In Episode 31 of The Podcast to be Named Later, Kris and Stephen talk about the Spring Training position battles that are already underway, who’s off to fast and slow starts, and injury updates for key guys. The guys also discuss the Braves impressive overall roster and why certain projection systems like them so much. Please check out the podcast via Apple Podcasts(where we strongly encourage you to leave a five-star review and rating), Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Google Podcasts, or you can find us at our...

Photo by Julio Aguilar/ It was reported Wednesday night that RHP Blake Burkhalter is having Tommy John surgery. Braves 2022 second-round pick, RHP Blake Burkhalter, is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, according to a report from Lindsay Crosby of SI.com. BREAKING NEWS for @TheAuburnDaily: Former Auburn closer Blake Burkhalter to have Tommy John surgery and miss the 2023 season.https://t.co/aPke3zgs98— Lindsay Crosby, big baseball guy (@CrosbyBaseball) March 1, 2023 Burkhalter spent his college career at Auburn as a pure reliever where he made 2nd Team...