NLEast_Atlanta Braves

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ATLANTA BRAVES 5-YEAR SCORECARD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 WINS 96 94 89 91 86 RUNS PER GAME 4.3 4.3 4.0 4.6 4.5 RUNS ALLOWED PER GAME 3.4 3.7 3.7 3.9 4.0 OPENING DAY PAYROLL 90 93 91 83 96 Craig Kimbrel 2014 STRENGTHS: • Excellent closer and setup men in bullpen • Power and balance in the lineup 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Injury depleted starting rotation • Strikeout-prone lineup Some might attribute the Braves’ NL East title last year more to the Nationals’ slide than anything overwhelming Atlanta did. The Braves will contend again this year, no matter what happens in D.C., thanks to a deep collection of hitters and one of the majors’ best relief staffs. HITTING Even though B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla each sagged below .200 last year, and Jason Heyward’s production dropped too, the Braves are still in pretty good shape here. The good news is that with a pitching staff like it has, Atlanta doesn’t have to score six runs a game to win. The Braves were smart to lock up first baseman Freddie Freeman long term. He’s already a star. Third baseman Chris Johnson had a big 2013, and Justin Upton is a reliable producer in the two spot. The loss of catcher Brian McCann could hurt, unless Evan Gattis shows he can perform for a whole season. He was strong last year in a part-time role. Heyward can be a dangerous force at the top of the lineup, provided he is consistent and healthy. Uggla is still a threat to hit the long ball, but his batting average has dropped each of the past three seasons. NL EAST SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/GETTY IMAGES SPORT


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