Eric Cole
@leprekhan.bsky.social
Writer of baseball things for FanSided. Formerly writer of baseball things for Battery Power. Braves guy.
Why are you the way that you are? (Love you)
How is your neck tattoo healing?
December 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Why are you the way that you are? (Love you)
I suspect they probably will, but I also think what happened to the Braves last year was an aberration. Not exactly a lot of other teams that lose their ENTIRE Opening Day starting rotation.
Not picking up a starter after what happened last year, will be quite the decision and the quickest way for AA to lose his job if Braves underperform again next year.
December 16, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I suspect they probably will, but I also think what happened to the Braves last year was an aberration. Not exactly a lot of other teams that lose their ENTIRE Opening Day starting rotation.
Respectfully disagree that is the only one among Caminiti, Ritchie, and Murphy that sort of potential, although I think it is unlikely for any of them.
I get that, but CamCam is the only one with ace potential of the three (granted he may be nothing)
December 16, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Respectfully disagree that is the only one among Caminiti, Ritchie, and Murphy that sort of potential, although I think it is unlikely for any of them.
It is a bit early for me to project that especially since their pick is sort of an awkward spot. Basically, if one of good college bats drops to them, they should probably do that. Otherwise, we need more info from this spring. I would do unspeakable things for Roch Cholowsky, though.
@leprekhan.bsky.social Any initial thoughts on who you would target with their first round picks?
December 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
It is a bit early for me to project that especially since their pick is sort of an awkward spot. Basically, if one of good college bats drops to them, they should probably do that. Otherwise, we need more info from this spring. I would do unspeakable things for Roch Cholowsky, though.
It is also possible that they don't need a starter. Assuming everything is true about the starters who are getting healthy, the Braves don't have a volume of arms problem. Feels like they will pounce if the right opportunity comes along, but thats it.
Strikes me they saw it as the only option to meaningfully upgrade the position they felt least comfortable with (assuming they were out on bichette, and I assume they were more comfortable with a one year bet).
Wonder if they think they can get a starter cheap.
Wonder if they think they can get a starter cheap.
December 16, 2025 at 2:42 AM
It is also possible that they don't need a starter. Assuming everything is true about the starters who are getting healthy, the Braves don't have a volume of arms problem. Feels like they will pounce if the right opportunity comes along, but thats it.
Caminiti and it isn't that close. Still needs seasoning whereas Ritchie and Murphy are both pretty close to the majors.
Who of CamCam, JR and Owen would you trade first?
December 16, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Caminiti and it isn't that close. Still needs seasoning whereas Ritchie and Murphy are both pretty close to the majors.
$20 million is a decent chunk of change for one year, but everyone seems to be getting that this offseason. Hope his bat is pretty good, because I don't think that is a sure thing.
What do you think about the HSK signing?
December 16, 2025 at 1:43 AM
$20 million is a decent chunk of change for one year, but everyone seems to be getting that this offseason. Hope his bat is pretty good, because I don't think that is a sure thing.
My honest answer is after the new CBA is done and I know that isn't a sexy answer. I think he wants to stay and I think the Braves want to keep him. However, I don't think anyone wants to have talks without knowing the rules of the game. Thankfully, his options buy time.
When do you think the club starts seriously talking to Ronnie about an extension?
December 16, 2025 at 1:32 AM
My honest answer is after the new CBA is done and I know that isn't a sexy answer. I think he wants to stay and I think the Braves want to keep him. However, I don't think anyone wants to have talks without knowing the rules of the game. Thankfully, his options buy time.
Honestly, it is that they embrace all sorts of information as data. Scouting input is still data. Psychological screening results are still data. They do a lot to try and create a complete picture of guys they like and dislike. Helps that they have really smart scouts and player dev personnel, too
Now that you are covering other teams in addition to Braves, what is it about Braves org that gives team an edge over other orgs when it comes to player development and scouting?
December 16, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Honestly, it is that they embrace all sorts of information as data. Scouting input is still data. Psychological screening results are still data. They do a lot to try and create a complete picture of guys they like and dislike. Helps that they have really smart scouts and player dev personnel, too
It has been a while since I have done much over here (or any socials for that matter), so let's do a Q&A. Ask me anything. Braves, food, TV, whatever.
December 16, 2025 at 1:14 AM
It has been a while since I have done much over here (or any socials for that matter), so let's do a Q&A. Ask me anything. Braves, food, TV, whatever.
Charlie Morton retiring as a Braves feels right and is a heartwarming end to a fantastic career.
My feelings change dramatically if Atlanta signs him to an extension.
My feelings change dramatically if Atlanta signs him to an extension.
September 22, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Charlie Morton retiring as a Braves feels right and is a heartwarming end to a fantastic career.
My feelings change dramatically if Atlanta signs him to an extension.
My feelings change dramatically if Atlanta signs him to an extension.
So when do we build the Ha-Seong Kim statue?
September 4, 2025 at 1:21 AM
So when do we build the Ha-Seong Kim statue?
So we are just throwing Schwarber hanging curveballs all night and hoping he gets tired for the rest of the series or....
August 29, 2025 at 12:01 AM
So we are just throwing Schwarber hanging curveballs all night and hoping he gets tired for the rest of the series or....
It isn't like fans aren't going to notice that a walking, talking white flag is taking the mound and they are going to stay home instead of watch that. Plus, the bullpen is going to get run into the ground with these batting practice pitchers around.
No one is served with guys like Quantrill/Fedde/whichever terrible starter hits the waiver wire next. Call up JR Ritchie, see where he is at against big league hitters, give him things to work on in the offseason, and then carry him on the Opening Day roster.
August 28, 2025 at 11:28 PM
It isn't like fans aren't going to notice that a walking, talking white flag is taking the mound and they are going to stay home instead of watch that. Plus, the bullpen is going to get run into the ground with these batting practice pitchers around.
No one is served with guys like Quantrill/Fedde/whichever terrible starter hits the waiver wire next. Call up JR Ritchie, see where he is at against big league hitters, give him things to work on in the offseason, and then carry him on the Opening Day roster.
August 28, 2025 at 11:27 PM
No one is served with guys like Quantrill/Fedde/whichever terrible starter hits the waiver wire next. Call up JR Ritchie, see where he is at against big league hitters, give him things to work on in the offseason, and then carry him on the Opening Day roster.
I did a thing again
Was fun to chat with old friend @leprekhan.bsky.social on a new episode of the Hammer Territory podcast.
🎧 Apple: apple.co/3UKrYCr
🎧 YouTube: tinyurl.com/5n7hkr5p
🎧 Spotify: spoti.fi/3y7cPlV
🎧 Apple: apple.co/3UKrYCr
🎧 YouTube: tinyurl.com/5n7hkr5p
🎧 Spotify: spoti.fi/3y7cPlV
Hammer Territory: an Atlanta Braves podcast
Baseball Podcast · Updated Daily · Hammer Territory is your go-to podcast on the Atlanta Braves. Hosted by Brad Rowland, Scott Coleman, Stephen Tolbert, & Shawn Coleman, HT brings you fresh insight & ...
apple.co
August 25, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I did a thing again
I am reasonably confident it was my boy Adam Maier. He got picked later on day two and got paid.
@leprekhan.bsky.social @josh-sperry.pitcherlist.com Can you guys guess without looking?
July 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM
I am reasonably confident it was my boy Adam Maier. He got picked later on day two and got paid.
I think everyone is in agreement that the Braves have underachieved AND have had a lot of injuries the last two seasons. Just isn't that controversial a thing.
I guess the team will try to sell that pitching injuries is the reason why they underachieved this year despite it clearly being the position players. And it's just not this year when it comes to underachieving.
July 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I think everyone is in agreement that the Braves have underachieved AND have had a lot of injuries the last two seasons. Just isn't that controversial a thing.
So at this point, the Braves just need to be asking for volunteers from the stands, right?
July 2, 2025 at 7:46 PM
So at this point, the Braves just need to be asking for volunteers from the stands, right?
Hey everyone, all you that have followed me from the Talking Chop/Battery Power days likely remember Matt Powers. He is an amateur baseball/draft savant and he just launched a Substack that allows him to go DEEP in his coverage. Consider giving him a sub. It's worth it.
Matt Powers | Substack
A deeper dive into my MLB Draft coverage that you see on Battery Power, allowing dig deeper than just from a Braves perspective.
substack.com
July 2, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Hey everyone, all you that have followed me from the Talking Chop/Battery Power days likely remember Matt Powers. He is an amateur baseball/draft savant and he just launched a Substack that allows him to go DEEP in his coverage. Consider giving him a sub. It's worth it.
Talking MLB prospects and the Futures Game in a couple minutes live. Be there.
www.youtube.com/live/qhNdZ2f...
www.youtube.com/live/qhNdZ2f...
Top Prospects We Want in the 2025 Futures Game
YouTube video by The Baseball Insiders: A FanSided MLB Podcast
www.youtube.com
June 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Talking MLB prospects and the Futures Game in a couple minutes live. Be there.
www.youtube.com/live/qhNdZ2f...
www.youtube.com/live/qhNdZ2f...
Build two. Never in doubt. Braves win.
Build the Dylan Lee statue
June 24, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Build two. Never in doubt. Braves win.
Build the Dylan Lee statue
June 24, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Build the Dylan Lee statue
Going for a consult early next month. Stay tuned. Would have gone this month except our AC decided to crap out and I chose life.
Any updates on your Ronnie tattoo?
June 21, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Going for a consult early next month. Stay tuned. Would have gone this month except our AC decided to crap out and I chose life.
Sadly the trade deadline this year is not an ideal place for that.
Any ideas on what shortstop upgrades besides bichette might be available?
June 21, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Sadly the trade deadline this year is not an ideal place for that.