ATLANTA -- Complete with fireworks of all varieties, including ones provided by Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla and newcomer Justin Upton, Opening Day got off to a bang in Atlanta with a 7-5 win over the Phillies. And our Chopcast team was on hand to soak in all of the "pop and circumstance."
The offseason was filled with claims of offensive prowess and newfound power, but these things often take time. Even big-time players can have slow Aprils and Mays, after all. But the Braves' offense, which posted seven runs on 10 hits against Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels and subsequent relievers, wasted no time in setting the bar high for the 2013 season.
Freeman led the way with three hits and a first-inning home run, while the back end of the lineup (Uggla, Gerald Laird, Chris Johnson) delivered as well.
Is this the top lineup in the National League? It sure looks like it. Our Chopcast team talks Opening Day impressions and how good the offense could turn out to be. Here are the highlights:
-- What was most impressive about Atlanta's Opening Day win?
-- Jason Heyward and B.J. Upton did not even register a hit for an offense that posted seven runs. That's a good thing, right?
-- Tim Hudson had a rough initial outing. Problems?
-- The bullpen will be forced to take on opponents without Jonny Venters for an extended period of time this season. Were there any concerns for how the relievers performed against a potent Phillies lineup?
