The 2017 Atlanta Braves: Inquiring Minds Wanted to Know

3) What are the expectations for Dansby Swanson this year?

Depends a bit on how soon he’s put into the #2 spot in the lineup. He hit .300 in the brief start while hitting 7th or 8th, but I actually think he’ll be a bit lower than that average batting 2nd by choosing to move Inciarte over more than simply hitting for average.

So:  I figure Swanson in the .270-.280 range with maybe a dozen homers, .350 OBP and reduced K’s (maybe 18% vs. 23% in 2016). With solid defense, that would play very well.

That’s the numbers guess. Aside from that, he seemed to be in the midst of a lot of action in his September stint, and I think that will characterize his play overall. He’s clearly got solid baseball savvy and knows where to be and when to be there. At the plate, he’ll be an excellent situational hitter. In the field, he’ll be making plays he has no business of making.

Between Swanson and Inciarte, there will be some fun highlights… and probably a real shot at the NL Rookie of the Year crown for the kid with the hair.

4) Is there an unheralded player that people should keep an eye on this season?

Is Matt Kemp unheralded? I think he was having some fun after his trade and I expect he wants to build on that.

If he’s at all a better fielder this year and maintains his hitting from 2016 (Kemp quietly pounded 35 homers – 19 of those in the 2nd half), then he and Freddie Freeman have the chance to be absolute beasts in the 3-and-4 spots of this lineup… particularly if Inciarte and Swanson are on base in front of them a lot.

Beyond Kemp, I want to see Sean Rodriguez. He could steal either the 2nd or 3rd base jobs. 18 homers in just 300 AB last year. Put him 5th and there’s serious thump in this lineup.