Key Additions: Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Chris Johnson, Jordan Walden, Gerald Laird
Key Subtractions: Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Michael Bourn, David Ross, Eric Hinske, Peter Moylan, Chad Durbin, Martin Prado
Analysis: The Braves are a team built to become legitimate World Series contenders in 2013. They bolstered their outfield in the offseason with the addition of Upton brothers. Both of them have all the potential in the world to become .280+ hitters with 25+ home runs a season. If they develop some kind of "Brotherly Rivalry" and try to outdo each other, it is going to be scary to see what they can do for a Braves offense that ranked 11th in the NL in team batting average last year. And that's not to mention Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, both age 23, who should get to 20+ homers and 80+ RBI's. He probably won't fill Chipper Jones shoes, but Chris Johnson should still serve as a viable 3B option for the Braves. He has had a .300+ OBP every year in his career except for 2011 (Still .291). The Braves still also have a strong bullpen, highlighted by Craig Kimbrel, who is flat-out filthy. He has to be a lock for at least 35 saves. Will Kris Medlen emerge as the No. 1 pitcher for this pitching staff? Seems like that is what the Braves are banking on. The right-hander went 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 12 starts down the stretch for the Braves. Atlanta would love if he could turn into the perennial ace of the staff with guys like an aging Tim Hudson, and Mike Minor and Paul Maholm, who both have ERA's over 4.00 for their careers. The pitching staff is one of the few question marks I have for the Braves in 2013. Will Brian McCann return to All-Star form? He has had back- to- back injury-riddled seasons, failing to play 130+ games in both the 2011 and 2012 campaigns. What about Dan Uggla? He struggled in his strong suit last season, failing to hit 20 home runs for the first time ever. And will the Braves end up missing Tommy Hanson? I just don't know if that rotation is quite yet built to help Atlanta get to where they eventually want to get. It will be interesting to monitor during the season if the Braves go after a guy like Matt Garza to set up that chance of a World Series run. However, I just don't see the Braves outplaying the Nationals this year.
Projected Finish: 93-67; 2nd place
Sorry I was so late in posting this one! Busy with my own baseball tryouts this week. Please share me to others if you enjoy reading these. Comments are always welcome as well. Next up: New York Mets.
No comments:
Post a Comment