House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves: What NL East team should we fear the most?

By James Kunkle

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 14: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals rects after flying out to end the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on April 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. Pittsburgh won the game 4-3. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 14: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals rects after flying out to end the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on April 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. Pittsburgh won the game 4-3. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 16: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies winces in pain as a member of the training staff looks at his wrist after getting hit by a pitch by Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 16: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies winces in pain as a member of the training staff looks at his wrist after getting hit by a pitch by Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Phillies

Let’s move on the Phillies and ask the same question, are they the biggest threat to the Braves in the NL East?

The Phillies strength is no doubt the lineup. For the most part, the Phillies have hit this year. The one disappointment for them so far has probably been JT Realmuto, but on the other hand, he is playing maybe the best defense of any catcher in the game.

Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper have both come in and done what they do which is hit the ball hard and far.

The Phillies main concern has to be arms. Both the Starting and Relieving varieties. The Phillies have a team ERA of 4.72. Obviously that will not get the job done over a 162 game schedule… I don’t care how good your lineup is.

To make things worse, Philadelphia’s lone pitching acquisition of the Winter was David Robertson. His numbers haven’t been good so far, but more importantly he just went on the IL with a sore elbow and is currently awaiting results of a MRI. That would no doubt be a big loss for the Philadelphia organization.

Jake Arrieta has come out of the gate strong but surely he will not keep up his current pace. On the other hand, Aaron Nola has not pitched well at all since a mediocre opening day start against the Atlanta Braves. One has to figure he will turn it around and become the Aaron Nola of 2018 at some point.

All in all, I fully expect the Phillies to compete until the last days and many would consider them the favorites and our biggest challenge to the division and maybe so…but I still think our biggest challenger is the Washington Nationals…

Home/Braves News