30 Clubs 30 Days: Atlanta Braves
2017 was a very up and down season for the Braves. There were glimpses of success, but as the season wore on the losses piled up. The Braves are a rebuilding team aiming to breakout in the next few seasons.
Freddie Freeman is the face of the franchise and consistently hits .300 with 25–30 homers. Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis are two other proven bats, holding down two of the three outfield positions. The rest of the Braves position players are extremely unproven. Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Ronald Acuna are all under 24 years old with all the potential in the world. If these three can have breakout seasons, the Braves could be challenge in the NL East.
The rotation is kind of a random collection of names, but Julio Teheran is a bright point. Teheran has been rumored in trades throughout the rebuilding process, yet he remains the ace in Atlanta. This offseason the Braves dealt Matt Kemp to the Dodgers and received Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy in return. Kazmir and McCarthy are veteran arms that they can depend to bridge the rebuild. The last two rotation spots will be determined in a spring training competition. They front runners to win the spots are Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb. Foltynewicz is a project that started his career in the bullpen and has become a decent starter over the past few years. Newcomb was a highly ranked prospect that is yet to establish himself in the MLB. The bullpen is filled with journeymen trying to revive their careers. Rex Brothers and Jose Ramirez will be their go to guys, but there’s not much to say about the bullpen.
The 2018 season is on the shoulders of the young guns for the Braves. I see this year as another year of development, with a few shining moments. In a weak division the Braves could surprise some people, but will probably finish in the middle of the pack in the NL East.
Prediction: 3rd in NL East
Projected Lineup:
- Ender Inciarte- CF
- Ozzie Albies- 2B
- Freddie Freeman- 1B
- Nick Markakis- RF
- Tyler Flowers- C
- Johan Comargo- 3B
- Ronald Acuna- LF
- Dansby Swanson- SS
- Pitcher
Projected Rotation
- Julio Teheran
- Scott Kazmir
- Brandon McCarthy
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Sean Newcomb
Key Bullpen Pitcher
- Jose Ramirez
- Rex Brothers
