With a championship resume like Brown’s, it is no surprise. That Astros owner Jim Crane worked out a deal to lure Brown away from the Braves. Well, winning the 2022 World Series always helps!

Regarded as one of the top executives in baseball, Brown understands what it takes to build a winning franchise. Dana Brown will ensure that the winning continues for seasons to come. He got his start with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an area scout. He then spent eight seasons with the Pirates before moving on to the Washington Nationals as their Director of Scouting.

Dana Brown’s History

In nine seasons (2001-09) with the Nationals, Brown is credited with finding All-Stars Stephen Strasburg, Ian Desmond, and Mr. National himself, Ryan Zimmerman. Brown would move on from the Nationals to become the special assistant to the general manager. After that, he worked for the Toronto Blue Jays (2010-18) for another nine seasons. During his time with the Blue Jays. Brown helped guide the Blue Jays to their first American League East division title in 2015. It was their first postseason birth since 1993. The Blue Jays would also make a Wild Card appearance in 2016.

In 2018, Brown joined the Atlanta Braves as Vice President of Scouting. From there, Brown is credited with finding Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II. Both of them finished in the Top Two in the 2022 NL Rookie of the Year. Harris II won Rookie of the Year. Brown also had his hand in the trade that brought Matt Olson to the Braves.

With a success record like Brown’s and a lineup like the one the Astros have. His skills make this a match made in heaven. Astros fans should be excited about the hire of Brown. As he will continue to bring that championship success going into 2023 and beyond.

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Ryne Stanek 2022 Profile

Ryne Stanek – This 6 ft 4 Right-handed flame thrower doesn’t just throw 100 plus fastballs, this former Arkansas Razorback came to Houston from Tampa Bay and had been converted to a Relief pitcher a few seasons into his MLB career. He has clearly embraced the role of an MLB relief pitcher.

Most of his appearances were high-leverage situations, inheriting runners on a regular basis and neutralizing the threats often doing so without allowing a run in that inning.

His ERA was 1.15 with a 3.02 FIP. He had 59 appearances in the regular season, 54.2 innings pitched, 62 K, and 1.23 WHIP. With a 2-1 record, with 17 holds, and 1 save. Only gave up 8 runs 7 Earned in those 54.2 innings.

His Best Year thus far…

Since 2018 it is the fewest runs, he has given up in a single season. What made him so effective? He ranked in the Top 10 percent of MLB with a fastball with an avg speed of 98.3, whiffs, and missing barrels. Most hitters simply had a hard time keeping up with his pitches. He also had quite a handle on two other pitches he uses the most outside of his fastball, the split-finger and slider proved to be weapons that tended to neutralize hitters.

At one point in the season, he went on a scoreless inning streak that lasted for 27 scoreless innings. With Ryne Stanek’s 2022 success, Brett Chancey of Dirt Diamond Sports Network had a chance to interview Ryne Stanek and asked him about his recent signing and the upcoming 2023 MLB season.

Ryne Stanek just signed a one-year deal avoiding arbitration. In my many conversations with him over the 2022 season, I have always enjoyed our conversations. I wanted to get his thoughts on how the process went for him. He was willing to answer a few questions.

Interview with Ryne Stanek

Brett: This will be your seventh season in the majors and third with the Astros. After signing your one-year deal and avoiding arbitration was the process mutual on both sides?

Ryne Stanek: “Yeah, for sure I would say it was mutual on both sides. It wasn’t too much back-and-forth or animosity towards either side. So it worked out pretty well.”

Brett: What has it been about Houston that keeps Ryne Stanek wanting to come back for more? (Of course outside of the World Series runs)

“Honestly, the CITY has been great, the FANS and the organization have treated me well. So it’s a hard place not to like.”

Ryne Stanek on why he WANTED to return to HOUSTON.

Brett: How have you grown as a Relief pitcher in your career with the Houston Astros?

Ryne Stanek: “I feel like I’ve grown as a reliever by just becoming more committed to what I do conviction-wise. Believing in my stuff, believing in what I’m trying to accomplish. I also have confidence that it’s going to work and trust that. Once that process is over, either with a good or bad result. I have found the ability to flush it, come back again, and stay committed to the same plan.

Brett: Going into 2023 what is your top priority as you prepare for the season?

Ryne Stanek: “Honestly, I feel like going into 2023 my top priority is the same as I usually approach any season. Taking care of my body, making sure I’m healthy and feeling good so I can continue in whatever role I’m called to do.”

Brett: Does it make the 2023 season less stressful when you know you have all your key pitchers back on the roster?

Ryne Stanek: “I don’t know about less stressful because each year comes with new stressors. But having the same group that performed at such a high level last year, makes you feel good about the season. Just having so many guys that can be trusted to do so many different things definitely is a positive.

Ryne thank you for answering my questions, again we look forward to seeing you and the team go after another World Series in 2023.

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WILL THE ATLANTA BRAVES WIN THE EAST?

The Braves are much better, with a bright future that stretches into 2028, the Mets have signed key free agent veterans, the Phillies have bulked up, and the Marlins will clearly have one of the better bullpens. The only team not in this race….The Washington Nationals.

STARTING PITCHING: Dub’s and K’s for Days

Braves – The Braves Have a strong starting 4, with the 5th starting pitcher more than likely to be decided in Spring Training. The Final 5th spot will be secured by Mike Soroka, Ian Anderson or Bryce Elder. Mike Sokora has the upper hand if he is healthy according to Jake Matroianni of the Locked on Braves podcast.

The New York Mets are the crowned Kings of the East. The Braves will have something to say about that. I am sure with this pitching staff the Braves will be in the mix as they were last season. Max Fried Headlines a great starting pitching staff. If you notice the Top 4 are all slateted to record a 2.4 wAR or higher. The most striking numbers are the low walk rates to go with very solid K’s per 9.

To compete with the aging Mets rotation I think Spender Strider simply needs to replicate what he did last year. Another point of emphasis will be if Kyle Wright and Max Fried. If they could get thier K/9 into the 9.5 to 11.0. This Range that would more than likely be a recipe for success. Mike Soroka back in 2019 he threw 174.2 IP. If he can remain healthy and at least reach 130-140 the Braves might be looking at the BEST starting 5. The Braves have age on thier side, but health is a concern or the 5th starter.

The Hitters: Hot-lanta Crush

The Braves offense if very good, powerful, and they have speed. The new rules will surely send the Braves running from base to base. Clearly making them a threat even when a single squeeks through the infield. In 2023, the Braves ranked 1st in Home Runs (243) and 2nd in wOBA .330. Other key metrics had them 4th in Wrc+ 111, 4th in Stolen Bases 87, 5th in OBP .317.

They will miss Dansby Swanson at the plate in 2023. Hehit 25 HR and 96 RBI in 2022, as well produced a 6.4 WAR. The Braves did add Sean Murphy, who should add both a strong bat and defender. Also they will have the first full season with Ronald Acuna Jr. in the last couple seasons. Austin Riley is a power bat that can hit the long ball with the second highest WAR offensively. The others like Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II, and Vaughn Grissom will be a tough lineup to handle.

The Bullpen

The Braves Bullpen in 2022 was very good. They ranked 2nd overall and for the last two seasons, either ahead or behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had the 3rd highest K/Per9 10.17. Ranked 1st in saves, they were also ranked in the Top 10 for 7th lowest BABIP .276. The Braves had the 2nd highest WAR (tied with Houston) 7.6,. To top it off they had an 8% HR/FB which was good enough for 4th lowest.

Kenley Jansen had a resurgnet year on the mound. He has appearded to re-discovered the edge he once had as a Los Angeles Dodger. He recorded 41 saves in 2023, a total he last achieved in 2017. They had 8 relief pitchers log at least a 10.25 K/9 or higher in 2022. Thier Top 5 strikeout leaders recorded between 59-94 K’s on the season. They brought most everyone back and just like their starters the relief pitchers appear to be a strength as well.

Braves, My Way Too Early Pick to Win the National League

When you put everything together, Brian Snitker the skipper of this N.L. East beast is poised to come out on top despite thier division rivals beefing up thier pitching and offense. The Braves are my pick to win the N.L. East and make it back to thier 2nd World Series in 3 seasons. What the Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has done with locking up this team is enxt level genius. The Braves know these men will be there to battle the next 5 years. They have masterfully put together one of the smartest lineups in all of baseball. Althought he National League is a guanltant. I think they are one of the Top 3 teams to make it to the Fall Classic in 2023.

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