Nissin Junior High School Baseball Team Eyes Top 8 Spot in National Tournament

Additional items from within the NL East…

Despite this, ABH Inc. recorded a net loss of million in operating expenses for the year 2023. The team’s statement attributed the increase in baseball-related expenses to higher player salaries, offseason trades in the fourth quarter, and an increase in revenue sharing under MLB’s plan. The operating profit for the year was million, but it dipped into the negative due to million in stock-based compensation and million for depreciation and amortization. (Tucker points out that significant deductions for depreciation and amortization are typical for MLB teams.)

The rise in revenue has corresponded with a significant increase in the Braves’ payroll. Atlanta is on track to surpass their previous record of 5 million from 2023. According to RosterResource, the Braves are currently projected to have a payroll of approximately 8 million and a luxury tax of 0 million. After paying the luxury tax for the first time last year, the Braves have exceeded the initial threshold and are now approaching the third level of penalties at 7 million. Despite the higher spending, the team’s front office has successfully locked in top players with contract extensions, creating a dominant team that is expected to compete for another World Series championship.

Since Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc. is a company that is traded publicly, they are required to provide yearly financial reports. These reports offer a glimpse into the business transactions of the Braves and were shared by Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week. In 2023, ABH Inc. reported 1 million in revenue from the Braves and their neighboring village, The Battery Atlanta, which is located beside Truist Park. This amount is significantly higher than the 9 million reported in 2022. The Braves have experienced a significant increase in revenue since the opening of Truist Park in 2017 and the popularity of The Battery as an attraction not just on game days. In fact, their revenue has gone up from 2 million in 2016 to 1 million in 2020, with a slight decrease in 2020 due to the pandemic.

• During a Spring Training game, Daylen Lile, an outfield prospect for the Nationals, was carried off the field after a frightening incident. While trying to catch a home run, Lile fell over the right field fence and landed awkwardly, prompting immediate concern from Red Sox pitchers in the bullpen. According to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, Lile gave a thumbs up as he was being taken off the field. Lile, who was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, but is currently ranked as the 11th-best prospect in the Nationals’ farm system by Baseball America. [UPDATE: Manager Davey Martinez informed Janes and other reporters that Lile will undergo a CAT scan. It is reported that Lile landed harshly on his lower back, but was still able to move his feet.]

• According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, Jeff McNeil is suffering from soreness in his left biceps and will not be batting for a few days. Despite this, McNeil is still able to participate in fielding drills as he throws with his right arm. However, his left arm remains a concern due to his partially torn UCL. It was previously believed that McNeil would fully recover without needing surgery, and the biceps issue does not necessarily indicate any further UCL damage. The former National League batting champion and two-time All-Star is aiming to improve upon his lackluster .270/.333/.378 batting line over 648 plate appearances in 2023.

• Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker gave updates on pitchers Braxton Garrett and Trevor Rogers to members of the media, including Jordan McPherson from the Miami Herald and MLB.com. Garrett has been experiencing discomfort in his left shoulder for a few weeks, but he has been able to continue throwing bullpen sessions and is now on track to face live batters. Schumaker stated that Rogers is tentatively slated to appear in a 20-pitch inning during Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game, as the team is gradually building him up after a season plagued by injuries. Rogers impressed Schumaker during a live batting practice session on Thursday, throwing in the mid-90s despite not being in a high-pressure situation.