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The Top 5 Ways the Atlanta Braves Contend in 2017

By Stephen Tolbert

Sep 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) celebrates a run with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) off of a RBI single by third baseman Adonis Garcia (not pictured) in the fifth inning of their game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) celebrates a run with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) off of a RBI single by third baseman Adonis Garcia (not pictured) in the fifth inning of their game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (74) against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. The Tigers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (74) against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. The Tigers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Unexpected Contributions From Prospects

For a team that’s in the middle of rebuilding, the Braves 2017 team is heavily relying on veterans.

Five of Atlanta’s eight everyday position players are over 30 as well as 3 of the 5 in the starting rotation. It’s been labeled a bridge year. What this means is there really isn’t a high expectation for any of Atlanta’s top prospects to contribute this year.

This reality opens up the door for some unexpected performances. For instance, Brandon Phillips is projected to be around a 1 WAR player.

What if Phillips gets hurt or traded and Ozzie Albies comes up and preforms more like a 2 or 3 WAR player? That changes the overall outlook. The same game can be played with Adonis Garcia and Rio Ruiz or R. A. Dickey and Sean Newcomb. The 1 win veteran gets hurt or moved and the prospect comes in preforms at a higher level.

And you could apply this idea with a few pitchers that could make their debut in 2017. Both the rotation and bullpen could be better by simply removing a less talented veteran and replacing him with a high ceiling prospect.

It’s certainly shouldn’t be expected but it’s not some outlandish notion that Atlanta has some top prospects ready to preform this year at a level higher than their veteran counterparts. And it only takes a few of these instances to occur to bump the win total to a competitive level.

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