<img alt="Luis Salazar, Formerly With The Atalanta Braves And Now Manager Of The Lynchburg (VA) Hillcats. On March 9th, 2011, He Was Struck In The Face By A Foul Ball, Salazar Had His Left Eye Removed On March 15th." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EFzOsLCdKofKqQy3Af3XIk_JxKg=/4x0:4252x2832/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73983863/117815460.0.jpg">
Photo by Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Yep, we’re getting weird around here today. I got into Tarot because of Poldark.
Mark, no one knows what that is.
In my adult life, I’ve spent a good deal of time considering and reconsidering my … religious (?) beliefs. I won’t get into the details – this is a baseball site, after all – but to where it relates to our story here is that I have spent some time outside of the standard religions and in the Zodiac, astrology, the Chinese calendar and its fascination with numbers, and, of course, Tarot.
I will not proclaim to be an expert in Tarot, but in more ways than others, it has fascinated me. It actually (likely) began in Europe (probably Italy) as a card game with pictures from a mystical setting, and it proliferated to various parts of Europe, especially due to its popularity within various French royal courts.
It is more well-known now and in the United States due to its connection to New Orleans and the Caribbean (a direct result of colonialism), and it’s known more for its … prophetic side than its card game side. It is also the side that appeals to me. One of these days, I’ll end up in New Orleans.
I am still learning the history and the Caribbean/New Orleans aspects of the … religion? …, but I have taken to at least doing daily readings from my Tarot deck. I think part of the reason I find it so interesting (and actually) helpful is that you are forced to read the cards, which have a vague meaning that forces interpretation, and the cards become a mirror reflecting your desires, your fears, your insecurities, etc. You read into the cards, and it often reflects back to yourself. Religion or not, it’s a good way to pursue self-reflection and to gain a greater sense of self.
You can also read cards for others. I am … not experienced enough to consider that at the moment, but I do hope to do some for friends and such as the year goes on.
For now, let’s try it out on some Atlanta Braves players.
For a more serious look at the season ahead, you should check out last week’s posts on Catchers, Infielders, and Outfielders.
In this particular instance, I’m going to do a few things.
· Give you the Steamer, ZIPs, and the average (kind of) of the two.
· I’ll do a Tarot reading for the player’s season, and I’ll give you my interpretation of how they’ll do.
· At the end of the year, I’ll come back and see how we did.
· I’m not going to do this for every player, but we’ll do it for the main ones.
Also, keep in mind some rules for asking questions to your deck:
· You need to ask specific questions that leave room for interpretation.
· Do not ask yes/no questions or questions that need an answer – “Will Sean Murphy have a good year?” or “Will Sean Murphy perform more like ZIPs or Steamer?”
· Instead, we’ll ask, “What should Sean Murphy expect from his 2025 season?” It’s a specific question, but it allows us to make an interpretation.
· When you ask the question, you should keep only it in mind. You must focus. While you do this, you shuffle the cards, and when the moment is right, you cut the deck and take the top card. I’m sure there are other ways, but this is how I do it.
Sean Murphy – Five of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RJKlrEg4HM0eZakrRS3iSCNfi-c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925686/Murphy.png">
Lol, welp. We’re off to a good start. The Five of Swords is a card of self-destruction, and given last year and the start to this year, this is a bad omen. If Sean wants to avoid a repeat of 2024, he needs to be mindful of the things that led to the season steamrolling into oblivion.
Drake Baldwin – Nine of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K5B538y2nK2hS2QR6iley9UCV9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925687/Baldwin.png">
Uh, the catching tandem might be in trouble. The Nine of Swords is a dark omen. It often reflects inner torment where you battle yourself. He’ll need to lean on his teammates to help him through what seems like it may be a difficult rookie season.
Matt Olson - Temperance
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5f05YnZawcuTBlL2JOzRIR9Dopg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925688/Olson.png">
We’ve slipped into the Major Arcana, which is a set of very powerful cards. It appears that Matt will be the center of renewal and healing, which is something the Braves could use after last season. Maybe he takes a step forward into the leadership spotlight.
Ozzie Albies – Three of Cups
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P5z78zUAszy0DRtOn5mIYSqrdkw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925690/Albies.png">
I’ll be honest in that I think Ozzie might be close to cooked. But my tarot deck says otherwise, as the Three of Cups is a card of friendship and bounty. With his BFF Ronnie back, it looks like Ozzie is headed for a bounce-back season.
Austin Riley – Nine of Wands
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/20PKat4vRUk0A2RDPhAZzGtdw-U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925691/Riley.png">
Wands are usually pretty active cards, and as such, they usually require something from the subject. In this case, the deck expects Riley to take a bit of an arduous journey, but if he sticks to it and grinds through, he will success on the other side. He just has to keep fighting.
Orlando Arcia – Eight of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S-71YZEJuPyav57kD18Uq9ryEEk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925693/Arcia.png">
Generally, I don’t love pulling Swords, as they usually indicate immediate danger. In this case, Orlando sees enemies on all sides as he hangs precariously close to disaster (or being DFA’d). He must find the root of his insecurities before it is too late.
Jurickson Profar – Two of Pentacles
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VZhhtxS49iuRmk9C8IjpVypxxVI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925694/Profar.png">
The Two of Pentacles is all about embracing the change. Profar moved teams this offseason, and if he leans into being a part of this team (the vibes seem good so far), success is sure to follow.
Michael Harris - Judgement
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VBIe2VDvR8uK0oc2l20grprxSFY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925695/Harris.png">
Another card from the Major Arcana, Judgement sounds like a bad thing, but what this card asks to do is to release it. Let go of the petty fears. Let go of the excuses. Be who you are and release yourself of the obligations of others. If Harris can do this, he can become what the team needs him to be.
Ronald Acuna – The Empress
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6RqRr31ncFJoslpqq8oC3nkvQIY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925696/Acuna.png">
Continuing in the Major Arcana, The Empress either points toward a maternal relationship that begs for attention and renewal, or it asks you to search for the things you love. After a season of injury, Ronnie needs to seek out his love of the game, embrace how he plays, and enjoy the success that follows.
Marcell Ozuna – The Empress
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lDz6NM1qqMN-dQ-z4ZiG71vXzRA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925698/Ozuna.png">
Interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever re-pulled the same card twice in a row.
Jarred Kelenic – Four of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E2ZIswH0TKX06dVn7WYp_9G4GYI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925699/Kelenic.png">
Like I said earlier, I don’t love pulling Swords, but this one is interesting. Things hang in the balance, and there is impending danger. But this time is all about quieting the noise, the fear, and the doubt. Find inner peace, and you can find your way out of the danger that draws near (like being DFA’d because you haven’t lived up to expectations).
<img alt="Luis Salazar, Formerly With The Atalanta Braves And Now Manager Of The Lynchburg (VA) Hillcats. On March 9th, 2011, He Was Struck In The Face By A Foul Ball, Salazar Had His Left Eye Removed On March 15th." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EFzOsLCdKofKqQy3Af3XIk_JxKg=/4x0:4252x2832/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73983863/117815460.0.jpg">
Photo by Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Yep, we’re getting weird around here today. I got into Tarot because of Poldark.
Mark, no one knows what that is.
In my adult life, I’ve spent a good deal of time considering and reconsidering my … religious (?) beliefs. I won’t get into the details – this is a baseball site, after all – but to where it relates to our story here is that I have spent some time outside of the standard religions and in the Zodiac, astrology, the Chinese calendar and its fascination with numbers, and, of course, Tarot.
I will not proclaim to be an expert in Tarot, but in more ways than others, it has fascinated me. It actually (likely) began in Europe (probably Italy) as a card game with pictures from a mystical setting, and it proliferated to various parts of Europe, especially due to its popularity within various French royal courts.
It is more well-known now and in the United States due to its connection to New Orleans and the Caribbean (a direct result of colonialism), and it’s known more for its … prophetic side than its card game side. It is also the side that appeals to me. One of these days, I’ll end up in New Orleans.
I am still learning the history and the Caribbean/New Orleans aspects of the … religion? …, but I have taken to at least doing daily readings from my Tarot deck. I think part of the reason I find it so interesting (and actually) helpful is that you are forced to read the cards, which have a vague meaning that forces interpretation, and the cards become a mirror reflecting your desires, your fears, your insecurities, etc. You read into the cards, and it often reflects back to yourself. Religion or not, it’s a good way to pursue self-reflection and to gain a greater sense of self.
You can also read cards for others. I am … not experienced enough to consider that at the moment, but I do hope to do some for friends and such as the year goes on.
For now, let’s try it out on some Atlanta Braves players.
For a more serious look at the season ahead, you should check out last week’s posts on Catchers, Infielders, and Outfielders.
In this particular instance, I’m going to do a few things.
· Give you the Steamer, ZIPs, and the average (kind of) of the two.
· I’ll do a Tarot reading for the player’s season, and I’ll give you my interpretation of how they’ll do.
· At the end of the year, I’ll come back and see how we did.
· I’m not going to do this for every player, but we’ll do it for the main ones.
Also, keep in mind some rules for asking questions to your deck:
· You need to ask specific questions that leave room for interpretation.
· Do not ask yes/no questions or questions that need an answer – “Will Sean Murphy have a good year?” or “Will Sean Murphy perform more like ZIPs or Steamer?”
· Instead, we’ll ask, “What should Sean Murphy expect from his 2025 season?” It’s a specific question, but it allows us to make an interpretation.
· When you ask the question, you should keep only it in mind. You must focus. While you do this, you shuffle the cards, and when the moment is right, you cut the deck and take the top card. I’m sure there are other ways, but this is how I do it.
Sean Murphy – Five of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RJKlrEg4HM0eZakrRS3iSCNfi-c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925686/Murphy.png">
Lol, welp. We’re off to a good start. The Five of Swords is a card of self-destruction, and given last year and the start to this year, this is a bad omen. If Sean wants to avoid a repeat of 2024, he needs to be mindful of the things that led to the season steamrolling into oblivion.
Drake Baldwin – Nine of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K5B538y2nK2hS2QR6iley9UCV9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925687/Baldwin.png">
Uh, the catching tandem might be in trouble. The Nine of Swords is a dark omen. It often reflects inner torment where you battle yourself. He’ll need to lean on his teammates to help him through what seems like it may be a difficult rookie season.
Matt Olson - Temperance
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5f05YnZawcuTBlL2JOzRIR9Dopg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925688/Olson.png">
We’ve slipped into the Major Arcana, which is a set of very powerful cards. It appears that Matt will be the center of renewal and healing, which is something the Braves could use after last season. Maybe he takes a step forward into the leadership spotlight.
Ozzie Albies – Three of Cups
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P5z78zUAszy0DRtOn5mIYSqrdkw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925690/Albies.png">
I’ll be honest in that I think Ozzie might be close to cooked. But my tarot deck says otherwise, as the Three of Cups is a card of friendship and bounty. With his BFF Ronnie back, it looks like Ozzie is headed for a bounce-back season.
Austin Riley – Nine of Wands
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/20PKat4vRUk0A2RDPhAZzGtdw-U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925691/Riley.png">
Wands are usually pretty active cards, and as such, they usually require something from the subject. In this case, the deck expects Riley to take a bit of an arduous journey, but if he sticks to it and grinds through, he will success on the other side. He just has to keep fighting.
Orlando Arcia – Eight of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S-71YZEJuPyav57kD18Uq9ryEEk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925693/Arcia.png">
Generally, I don’t love pulling Swords, as they usually indicate immediate danger. In this case, Orlando sees enemies on all sides as he hangs precariously close to disaster (or being DFA’d). He must find the root of his insecurities before it is too late.
Jurickson Profar – Two of Pentacles
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VZhhtxS49iuRmk9C8IjpVypxxVI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925694/Profar.png">
The Two of Pentacles is all about embracing the change. Profar moved teams this offseason, and if he leans into being a part of this team (the vibes seem good so far), success is sure to follow.
Michael Harris - Judgement
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VBIe2VDvR8uK0oc2l20grprxSFY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925695/Harris.png">
Another card from the Major Arcana, Judgement sounds like a bad thing, but what this card asks to do is to release it. Let go of the petty fears. Let go of the excuses. Be who you are and release yourself of the obligations of others. If Harris can do this, he can become what the team needs him to be.
Ronald Acuna – The Empress
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6RqRr31ncFJoslpqq8oC3nkvQIY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925696/Acuna.png">
Continuing in the Major Arcana, The Empress either points toward a maternal relationship that begs for attention and renewal, or it asks you to search for the things you love. After a season of injury, Ronnie needs to seek out his love of the game, embrace how he plays, and enjoy the success that follows.
Marcell Ozuna – The Empress
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lDz6NM1qqMN-dQ-z4ZiG71vXzRA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925698/Ozuna.png">
Interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever re-pulled the same card twice in a row.
Jarred Kelenic – Four of Swords
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E2ZIswH0TKX06dVn7WYp_9G4GYI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25925699/Kelenic.png">
Like I said earlier, I don’t love pulling Swords, but this one is interesting. Things hang in the balance, and there is impending danger. But this time is all about quieting the noise, the fear, and the doubt. Find inner peace, and you can find your way out of the danger that draws near (like being DFA’d because you haven’t lived up to expectations).
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