DOB and EOF take a look around the NL East to assess where the Braves fall in the division's hierarchy. Is Kyle Schwarber the second-best lead-off hitter in the division behind Acuna? How about the league? Max Scherzer was livid when Joe Girardi asked officials to check him for foreign substances. What do Girardi's actions say about the Phillies? Could the Mets win without DeGrom? Eric then explains how challenging it is to perform in the majors when teams routinely option players to the minors. Why do so few teams allow players to fully grasp their bearings? How are players affected psychologically by constantly ruminating about being demoted? The guys kibbitz about Craig Kimbrel and Jesse Chavez, Eric's old teammates in Atlanta. Kimbrel is off to an impressive 2021 campaign, a marked improvement from 2020. Chavez discusses rejoining the Braves, and praises Eric, among others, for establishing a clubhouse culture he felt welcome in.

Follow David on Twitter: @DOBrienATL

Follow Eric on Twitter: @EOF34

Join The Atheltic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/755isreal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.