The Many Questions Facing the Atlanta Braves

The Many Questions Facing the Atlanta Braves

 

 

The Atlanta Braves are coming off a season in which they won the NL East with ease. Between injuries, questions about production from some players, and an improved Washington Nationals team, it won’t be so easy this season. The NL East is going to be a two team dogfight between the Braves and Nationals. I feel both teams will make the playoffs because the National League wild card situation is murky. In order for the Braves to be the division winner and not have to play in the wild card game there are some questions that they will need to answer.

How much will losing Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy hurt the rotation? There’s still plenty of talent with Teheran, Santana, Wood, and Minor when he comes back. If these guys can stay healthy, and not tax the bullpen, the Braves will be in good shape. Another question they have to answer is whether Evan Gattis can be an everyday catcher. There’s no question El Oso Blanco can hit but how good can his defense and pitch framing be? Ryan Doumit isn’t much better but hopefully between the two they can hold steady until Christian Bethancourt is ready. If the Braves can get any production out of the cadavers known as Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton it would be a miracle. Lucky for them the rest of the lineup is so good they can somehow get away with two everyday players playing well below replacement level. 

That’s enough of the question marks; let’s talk about the players that make this team great. Freddie Freeman had a phenomenal year last year and signed an extension in the offseason, solidifying him as the face of the franchise. I expect great things from Freeman again this year and he is my pick to win the NL MVP Award. I look forward to many instances of him stretching out into a split to pick a ball at first and make the out. With Derek Jeter and his jump throw retiring at the end of the season that patented Freeman play may become the new signature move everyone knows about. Speaking of shortstops, let’s talk about the best defensive shortstop in baseball, Andrelton Simmons. This guy is a vacuum with a rocket arm that will have a trophy case full of Gold Gloves. He does need to work on his pitch selection because he swings at everything. A more patient approach at the plate with the flashes of power he’s shown and he will be one of the best all-around players in the game. The top of the order with Jason Heyward and Justin Upton is as dangerous a 1-2 combo as you’ll find. Huge credit has to be given to Fredi Gonzalez for making that move. Heyward should have a good season if he can stay healthy and I expect Justin Upton to have a typical Justin Upton season. Closing out games for the Braves is the best closer bar none in the sport Craig Kimbrel. The fastball he is equipped with is a gift from the heavens. The guy does not rattle and is the definition of consistency. With Mariano retired the torch has been passed and Kimbrel will not let it burn out for a very long time.

We will be back tomorrow for our last team preview with a look at the Tigers and why they will lose their grip on the AL Central. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @changingspeeds for all our coverage of the national pastime.