Atlanta Braves: Remainder Of July Not Only Big For Trade Deadline

The Atlanta Braves (45-48) have a myriad of decisions to make before the end of July 2017. That’s not the only reason July is important.

Lots of ink has been spilled in this space, and in others, about the impending MLB Trade Deadline (July 31), and some of the looming decisions for our Atlanta Braves. Reality is that the Braves have been slightly more competitive than some gave credit for in April. It’s also fact that there are no less than nine players on this team, who contribute weekly, who could be traded. Nine. Those two facts aren’t mutually exclusive.

I’m not going to go into that here. It’ll be the topic of many more articles. It’s important. It will determine the present and future of the team. But that’s not the only reason the rest of July is important.

Have you looked at the schedule? Don’t do it unless you’re sitting down or have imbibed something strong. Or, both. Our Atlanta Braves have 11 more games in the 12 remaining days of July. All of them are on the road.

Coming off of a deflating sweep by the Cubs, and a resounding reality check, our fearless Braves now head west for a four game stretch against the Dodgers. Yes, those Dodgers. In that series we get three lefties, including Wood and Kershaw. Yes, that Wood and that Kershaw.

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Then, after that four game Gladiator-esque type challenge in L.A., the Braves head to Arizona for 3 and to Philly for 4. No, this isn’t a whine session. And, no, this isn’t an excuse session.

The point is our Braves are three games under .500. That (.500) demarcation is a delineation of portend and promise. Getting back to even is a big deal. So is going on the road after getting swept at home.

No doubt, these next four games in L.A. are going to be tough. We can play with them, but a series split is a massive win. After that, if Atlanta can win the Arizona series, and then win the Philly series, they will have acquitted themselves incredibly well to that point.

The August and September schedules aren’t nearly as daunting (except for that Dodgers series at home). If the Braves can weather the road for these next 11 games, and come away with a somewhat respectable, or dare I say, very respectable, record, August could set up nicely for having a winning record.

Next: Atlanta Braves: Trade Deadline Players to Target Now

These next 11 games will determine a lot towards whether these Braves can get to .500, or better, by the end of August. If they dig a hole too deep, it could spell trouble. But if they battle, and can win a couple of series, the tomahawk chops at STP will be a little louder come September.