Atlanta Braves: 5 Things To Look Forward To After the All-Star Break

Jul 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher

(15) celebrates his two-run home run with Atlanta Braves outfielder

(25) in the fourth inning of their game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Deadline Trades

The Braves are still contenders in the NL, but with a stretch of games with the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles up next, it will be very difficult to stay afloat.

Now that Jason Grilli is out for the year with a left Achilles tendon injury, the chances of the Braves being sellers at the deadline increases (though it hurt not being able to trade Grilli).

As Alan discussed yesterday, the Braves have many options to trade.  With many veterans on the team performing decently, contenders should be calling the Braves.

If this season is a wash, adding more prospects to our top prospect list would be very beneficial.

Trade Options

-Maybin

-Pierzynski

–Kelly Johnson

–Jim Johnson

–Juan Uribe

–Chris Johnson

–Christian Bethancourt

–Julio Teheran???

I say Teheran because I think it’s possible the Braves shop him.  It’s a slim chance he gets traded and I haven’t seen anything about it, but still think it could happen.

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Jun 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman

against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Freddie Freeman’s Return

Freeman hasn’t played since June 17 because of a wrist injury and continues to deal with it.  The wrist is still causing pain and John Hart told reporters it could be until August till we see Freeman back on the field.

Obviously the Braves best player and a fan favorite, Freeman needs to return as soon as possible.  BUT, if his wrist is still chasing issues, the Braves won’t rush him back – and they shouldn’t.

JUST SPECULATION, but Freeman could miss the remainder of the season.

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Mar 7, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop

(70) throws to first against the New York Mets during the spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Mallex Smith or Jose Peraza Call Ups

It’s very possible either Smith or Peraza gets a call in September to join the Atlanta Braves – or before – if they trade away players.

Pereza continues to stay consistent in Gwinnett, but Smith has struggled since being called up to Gwinnett earlier this year.

Jose Peraza

Mallex Smith

.

These two guys are special ballplayers and could play a very prominent role in the Braves future.  This would give Braves fans reason to tune in each night so they can see these guys in action.

Think about having these two players at the top of the batting order.  One thing to consider moving forward, is that this team will be a very heavy left-handed hitting team.  Smith bats on the left side while Peraza is righty.

Check out this potential lineup (if Uribe, Pierzynski and Maybin are traded).

1. Jace Peterson 3B (L)

2. Jose Peraza 2B (R)

3. Freddie Freeman 1B (L)

4. Nick Markakis RF (L)

5. Plug in a LF

6. Andrelton Simmons SS (R)

7. Christian Bethancourt C (R)

8. Mallex Smith CF (L)

9. Pitcher

That 5 hole would be a perfect place to add a power right-handed left fielder.

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Jun 6, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Back-heavy Home Schedule

After 89 games played, the Braves currently have a 42-47 record for 2015.  With 73 games still left on the schedule, the Braves have 41 games at Turner Field.  Of the 41 games at home, they have 16 games against teams that are under .500 for 2015.

Of the 73 games still left on the schedule, 32 games are verses teams that are under .500 and 41 games against teams that are above .500 as he come back from the All-Star break.

One player that this benefits tremendously is Julio Teheran.

Teheran’s home stats – 53 IP, 5 wins, 44 K’s, 2.04 ERA, 0.92 WHIP

Teheran’s away stats – 55.2 IP, 1 win, 42 K’s, 6.95 ERA, 1.78 WHIP

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Continue Construction of the New SunTrust Ball Park

The new ballpark will be open in 2017, but we continue to see new photos and renderings of the facility.  As the summer days dwindle and we head into fall, we’ll see more walls going up.

One piece of this entertainment park will be “The Plaza”.  Here are the comments about the plaza from the Braves website.

The plaza will be a grand central gathering space for fans, families, residents and visitors. It will serve as a hub of activity, with new and fresh events throughout the year. Residents and visitors might catch a concert, movie or a craft beer in the entertainment venues neighboring the plaza, or enjoy a weekend street festival. On game days, members of Braves Country will gather in the plaza, surrounded by iconic team monuments and championship flags.