30 in 30: Atlanta Braves
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Atlanta Braves
2012 – Finished second in NL East. Lost in NL Wild Card game.
Record: 94-68
The Atlanta Braves finished 4 games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East division. It is worth noting that their end of season record was identical to eventual World Series champions, San Francisco Giants. At .580, the Braves presented a good argument that they could go deep into the playoffs. However, they lost to the St Louis Cardinals at Turner Field in the one off wild card game.
Atlanta attempted to give Chipper Jones a landmark send off but fell short. However, the signs were there that the Braves could be a contender in the not too far distant future. Losing Beachy, who was in a rich vein of form at the time, could have cost the Braves those 4 games over the season and it could have been the Nationals that faced the one game play off.
Bringing in the Upton brothers will bring a cohesive quality to the defence. Whether Michael Bourn’s loss will be noticed will have to be seen. If the starting pitchers can improve on last season and Kimbrel can save games in abundance again, the Braves must be considered dangerous to its National League rivals.
INCOMINGS
C Gerald Laird – Free Agent (DET)
3B/1B Chris Johnson – Trade (ARI)
IF Ramiro Peña – Free Agent (NYY)
OF Jordan Schafer – Waivers (HOU)
OF B.J. Upton – Free Agent (TB)
OF Justin Upton – Trade (ARI)
RHP David Carpenter – Waivers (BOS)
RHP Jordan Walden – Trade (LAA)
OUTGOINGS
C David Ross – Free Agent (BOS)
1B Brandon Drury – Trade (ARI)
1B/OF Eric Hinske – Free Agent (ARI)
1B Lyle Overbay – Free Agent (BOS)
3B/OF Martin Prado – Trade (ARI)
SS Nick Ahmed – Trade (ARI)
OF Michael Bourn – Free Agent (CLE)
RHP Miguel Batista – Free Agent (COL)
RHP Randall Delgado – Trade (ARI)
RHP Chad Durbin – Free Agent (PHI)
RHP Tommy Hanson – Trade (LAA)
RHP Jair Jurrjens – Free Agent (BAL)
RHP Peter Moylan – Free Agent (LAD)
RHP Zeke Spruill – Trade (ARI)
Outfielders
The Braves’ outfield was looking to be weakened in the off season when Michael Bourn left as a free agent to join the Cleveland Indians. However, the acquisition of B.J.Upton from the Tampa Bay Rays (5 year $75.25m deal) will alleviate some of the fears of Braves fans. The triumvirate of Upton brothers and Jason Heyward will ensure that the outfield will have plenty of pace and strong throwing arms. It will be up to Reed Johnson and Jordan Schafer to support where required.
Infielders
First baseman Freddie Freeman will be hoping for better luck with his vision in 2013 because a scratched cornea from a blustery Coors Field caused problems in 2012. A noticeable decrease in his batting average occurred after the Rockies game and he struggled to come to terms with after effects. Even resorting to batting in goggles couldn’t stop deterioration in his batting average to .259.
Over the last two seasons, Dan Uggla (2nd base) has looked a pale of the 2010 NL Silver Slugger award winning batter. The 32 year old’s .220 batting average was coupled with 19 home runs, which was nearly half of the previous season. Maybe Uggla’s career is on a downturn and 2013 has to be the year he arrests that trend otherwise the Braves will be choking on the 5 year $62 million contract he has.
At 3rd base, Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson will share the duties. Johnson will start against left-handed pitchers with an average of .286 whilst Francisco is batting at .234.
Catchers
Gerald Laird who was picked up as a free agent from the Detroit Tigers will get the start whilst Brian McCann, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, is on the injured list and is doubtful for Opening Day. Last season, Laird was batting at .282 for the Tigers which is way above his career average. Christian Bethancourt is a prospect that could be pushing to make his MLB debut this year. At 21 years old, Bethancourt could be the future starting catcher at Turner Field.
Starters
Tim Hudson is a 3 time All Star with a solid 16-7 record for 2012. However, at 37 he must be seen as dwindling in form. Along with the wear and tear of 14 years in MLB, he had Tommy John surgery in 2009. It must be considered that he won’t reach the 179 innings pitched in 2012.
Expectation will be high for Kris Medlen in 2013 and his workload will need to increase. Another recipient of Tommy John surgery, in 2010, Medlen went 10-1 last season from 12 starts and was voted 20th in the National League MVP list.
The heir apparent to Medlen’s number two pitcher spot is Mike Minor. He featured in 30 games last season and finished with an 11-10 record. Paul Maholm‘s trade from the Chicago Cubs to the Braves led to a solid second part to his season. A 4-5 record but with an improved 3.54 ERA was achieved.
Julio Teheran will claim the final spot on the starting pitcher roster. Seen as a prospect for the Braves, Teheran’s foray into major league baseball hasn’t been a glorious one. Ranked in the top 5 prospects by Baseball Prospectus and MLB.com, Teheran’s ability will need to flourish this season to hold down his place. Waiting in the wings will be Brandon Beachy who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. On his return, Beachy will only be able to play a supporting role whilst he eases his elbow back into competitive baseball. Braves fans won’t see him before June at the earliest.
Relievers
Closer Craig Kimbrel is the ace in the pack for the Braves. The importance of the 42 saves earned last season was demonstrated by a place on the All Star team, 5th in the Cy Young voting and 8th overall in the NL MVP voting. Jonny Venters failed to live up to his All Star appearance in 2011. Venters has suffered from elbow troubles and his 2012 performance was subsequently affected. An injury free 2013 would give the Braves serious armoury for later innings games. New acquisition Jordan Walden will further aid the bullpen whilst middle relievers Eric O’Flaherty. Cory Gearrin, Luis Avilan and Cristhian Martinez will all play their part.
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