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5 Reasons Why the Atlanta Braves Will Compete for Playoffs in 2017

By Alan Carpenter

Mar 6, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves scoreboard featuring a new countdown clock during the inning of a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves scoreboard featuring a new countdown clock during the inning of a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves bullpen coach Eddie Perez (12) watches stretching exercises during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves bullpen coach Eddie Perez (12) watches stretching exercises during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Tweaks are Coming

Critics would immediately argue that the pace the Atlanta offense has sustained for 60 games (+/-) cannot be sustained for a whole season.  Here’s what we already can point to:

  • A stated goal of adding two starting pitchers.  These would augment Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler, and Mike Foltynewicz and take considerable pressure off all of the current rookies… but also effectively making each one earn a spot in the Top 5.
  • A new catcher.  Even if this doesn’t happen, the effectiveness of the catchers now on the roster should be good enough on the offensive side of the ball.  In other words, there is nowhere to go but up here.
  • A renewed Matt Kemp?  Sure, he’s not as mobile as he once was.  But if he comes in to camp next February looking anything more trim, that should bode well for at least maintaining the production he’s put up this season.
  • Talent Waiting in the Wings.  Team depth is bound to be better – however that talent ends up being used.  Ozzie Albies will be back at some point.  Mallex Smith is looking like the 4th outfielder for the moment – both have game-changer tools.  Rio Ruiz might be blocked by Adonis Garcia for now.  And that’s just the position players we haven’t seen a lot of this season.
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