Atlanta Braves 2014 Season Preview: Staff Predictions

Mar 14, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop

(19) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Kolar

There is no question that the injuries to Medlen and Beachy hare huge, and will definitely have an impact this season. That being said, I still don’t buy the Nationals, and I strongly believe they will be lackluster once again this season, and will be around a .500 team. Nobody else in the division has the talent yet to step up, so it will between the Braves and Nationals this season. I see the Braves taking the division. It may not be pretty, but it will happen.

I say the MVP this season for the Braves will be Andrelton Simmons. We can talk about his defense all day, but I believe his bat will come alive this season, and this year will propel him to super stardom.

Also, I see BJ Upton and Dan Uggla both having turn around seasons (really, how could they not?), but I’m looking especially at Uggla. He has a chip on his shoulder. I fully see him having another 30 home run season, and his average being in the .250-.260 range. Book it.