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Ten Things We Learned about the Atlanta Braves in 2016

By Colby Wilson

Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrate a victory against the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Tigers 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrate a victory against the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Tigers 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Freddie Freeman is a dang good hitter when you put any sort of talent around him.

Follow this line of thought…

  • Pre-Matt Kemp Trade: .284/.367/.514, 18 homers, 25 doubles, 42 RBI, 46 walks (104 games)
  • Post-Matt Kemp Trade: .340/.461/.680, 16 homers, 18 doubles, 49 RBI, 43 walks (54 games)
  • Post-Dansby Swanson call-up: .347/.453/.667, 11 homers, 37 RBI, 51 total hits (40 games)

Small-sample size, nothing to play for, easier schedule, blah, blah, blah… sure, he could revert back to being merely a star in 2017, not a superstar like he turned into this year.

Of course, if Anthony Rizzo spent the two-thirds of his year in a lineup with seven Jason Heyward’s, got two months of what Jason Heyward used to be and 35 days of Addison Russell, his final numbers might not look so hot.

2. Brian Snitker deserves a chance

Maybe with the Braves, maybe with somebody else. But this season, juggling a never-ending stream of faces and with no mandate to win or even do anything other than avoid complete disaster… how can you NOT be impressed with Snitker? His team kept competing, ended the season on a tear and raved about him to anyone who would listen. Bud Black or Ron Washington may have a better resume’, but they won’t walk in and command the respect of all 25 guys instantaneously.

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