Bill Shanks

1 week ago | savannahnow.com | Bill Shanks

Bill ShanksSpecial to The Savannah Morning NewsA year ago this week, Spencer Schwellenbach was making his second start of the 2024 season — for the Rome Emperors, in High-A minor league baseball. Truth be told, it was not where Schwellenbach wanted to be to start the year. Schwellenbach hoped he would make it to Double-A Mississippi after a very solid spring training. He had come to camp with a new assortment of pitches, hoping to make that impact that would get him closer to the big leagues.

Apr 7, 2024 | onlineathens.com | Bill Shanks

You almost knew things had gone too well, too easy. The Atlanta Braves had sailed through spring training, even the first week of the regular season with no major (or even minor) injuries, particularly with the pitching staff. And then, the inevitability of the injury bogeyman appeared in the flesh. Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the home opener, star pitcher Spencer Strider didn’t look right.

Mar 25, 2024 | onlineathens.com | Bill Shanks

There are several ways to look at Opening Day of the baseball season, or even the first few weeks. Remember, this is a sport that some people don’t even pay attention to until Memorial Day. It’s easy to get ahead of the game and think only about October. The Atlanta Braves do have one of the best rosters in the sport, so focusing on what they may do in six months is something many get lost in.

Feb 19, 2024 | onlineathens.com | Bill Shanks

The Atlanta Braves have lost two prominent members of the organization in the last three years. Freddie Freeman signed in 2022 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a year later Dansby Swanson signed with the Chicago Cubs. But the exodus of important free agents developed by the Braves needs to end right there. And while General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has locked a lot of the young talent up, there is one player playing out his contract who never needs to leave.

Feb 5, 2024 | onlineathens.com | Bill Shanks

Bill ShanksAthens Banner-HeraldIn the last two postseasons, the Atlanta Braves have been struck with huge doses of bad luck. The plans they had for the starting pitching in the playoffs fell apart two years in a row. Sure, the Braves scored only eight runs in four games against the Phillies last October. But Atlanta’s three starting pitchers allowed 13 runs in 19.1 innings, an ERA of 6.06. Meanwhile the Phillies’ starters allowed just five earned runs in 20.2 innings, an ERA of 2.18.