Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Atlanta Braves- 2013 Preview


2012 Results: 94-68 (2nd in NL East, Lost in Wild Card Game)

If anyone thought that the Braves would have a problem coming back from the epic 2011 collapse, the Braves proved otherwise. The Braves fell short of the NL East title, losing to the Nationals. In Chipper Jones last year, the Braves managed to make it to the playoffs as a Wild Card team. However the wild card had changed in 2012, meaning the Braves had to play in the Wild Card Game in order to advance to the NLDS. They lost to the Cardinals in the Wild Card Game and thus was the end of the Chipper Jones era. The Braves ranked 21st in batting average (.247), 5th in ERA (3.42) and 4th in Fielding percentage (.986).

The Braves managed to score 700 runs and only allow 600 runs in 2012. The Braves were a very good team but sadly the Nationals were a better team in the division. The 94 wins were an improvement over the 89 wins in 2011. The Braves had alot of positive things in 2012 that can carry over in 2013. Jason Heyward returned back to numbers more like his rookie campaign, Kris Medlen was amazing in the starting rotation, and Craig Kimbrel moved on from September 2011 troubles.

How does 2013 look?

Offseason Moves: ARRIVALS
C Gerald Laird - Free Agent (DET)
IF Ramiro Peña - Free Agent (NYY)
OF Jordan Schafer - Waivers (HOU)
OF B.J. Upton - Free Agent (TB)
RHP David Carpenter - Waivers (BOS)
RHP Jordan Walden - Trade (LAA)

DEPARTURES

C David Ross - Free Agent (BOS)
1B/OF Eric Hinske - Free Agent (ARI)
RHP Tommy Hanson - Trade (LAA)
OF Michael Bourn- Free Agent

So far, the Braves have not improved or gotten worse. The offseason moves so far have equaled each other out. Losing Michael Bourn takes away a good lead off hitter and a good center fielder and replaces him with B.J. Upton. Upton is a good replacement for Bourn, he brings power, speed and a good defender in center field. How will he do in outdoor Atlanta instead of indoor Tropicana Field? We will soon find out. It's hard to look at the Braves and see an improvement BUT most of the Braves are returning in 2013.

2013 Predictions: 93-69 (2nd in NL East)
The Braves are going to continue to be a threat in the NL East. 2012 showed a very strong Braves lineup, not to mention good pitching. I think the Braves will compete with the Nationals for the division title but I think the Nationals pitching rotation will pull them ahead for NL East title. Considering the Braves offseason moves, I expect them to be in the same position as they were in 2012. The Braves will play in the Wild Card Game. Don't think that the Braves won't win NL East, it's very possible they will battle it out for NL East title until the last day of the season.

I don't think there are many moves left for the Braves to do to complete their roster. Maybe going after another starting pitcher could help complete a solid rotation but it's not totally needed. If B.J. Upton can put up similar numbers as he did with Tampa Bay, Kris Medlen continue his pitching dominance, and Jason Heyward put up similar numbers, expect the Braves to be a force in the National League.

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