3 Things I Like, Don’t Like About the 2015 Atlanta Braves

Through 19 games so far, the Atlanta Braves sit in second place in the National League East at 10-9.  Although Atlanta trails New York by 4.5 games, the Braves have outperformed Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington in the season’s first three weeks.

For better or worse, Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart completely reshaped the Major League roster through four blockbuster trades this offseason.  In a transitional season for the Atlanta Braves, it’s already been a breath of fresh air to not experience long periods of Upton Funk.  Here’s three things I like and don’t like about the 2015 Atlanta Braves so far.

Fewer Strikeouts.

Atlanta has done a 180 in cutting down on their strikeouts.  Once running rampant in 2013-14, the 2015 Braves have the second fewest strikeouts in the MLB, trailing only Kansas City. You don’t need to have a Jamesian level understanding of sabermetrics to realize that strikeouts are not productive at-bats. Outs are the most precious and scarce resource in the game of baseball.  They are best used wisely.  Atlanta has done a better job of making the opposition retire them in the field.  By forcing the opponent to make a play defensively, this gives the Braves a boost in offensive production.

Productive Bench.

The versatile bench of the 2015 Braves gives Manager Fredi Gonzalez much-need flexibility in lineup construction.  He doesn’t have to continuously trot out position players that hit below the Mendoza Line anymore.  The best example of this so far is at catcher.  Christian Bethancourt still hasn’t figured it out at the plate and Fredi sees no problem with playing AJ Pierzynski more because this former All-Star and World Series Champion can still hit.  Utilitymen Kelly Johnson and Alberto Callaspo can give the Braves spot starts all across the diamond.  With a productive bench chomping at the bit for playing time, expect the Braves offense to continue to elevate its performance.

Free Agents Signings.

The free agent signings made by Hart in the offseason have given the once toothless Braves canines in 2015.  Pierzynski, RF Nick Markakis, LF Jonny Gomes, and Kelly Johnson have transformed a complacent clubhouse.  While AJ and Jonny are the more vocal leaders in the locker room, Nick and Kelly lead by example with their play on the field.  All four veterans have playoff experience and know what it takes to play in the Majors.  Each gamer has carried the Braves offense at some point this season.

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Second Base and Centerfield.

Atlanta continues to have unsatisfactory production from second base and centerfield in 2015.  2B Jace Peterson has become a defensive liability in recent games and is still trying to figure it out offensively.  His platoon partner Phil Gosselin hasn’t done any better from the right side of the plate.  CF Eric Young, Jr. has relinquished his leadoff spot to Nick Markakis with a horrid .220 OBP.  Cameron Maybin has been all power, no average with 3 of his 5 hits being home runs.

Inconsistent Defense.

Prior to their series with the East-leading New York Mets, the Braves defense was one of the best in baseball.  In their last seven games, Atlanta has accumulated 11 of their 12 errors on the season.  Most of these blunders have occurred in the infield via poor throws and defense at first base.  Perhaps more than anything, strong defensive play is a must for teams looking to make the postseason.  You can’t give good teams extra outs and expect to beat them.

Overused Bullpen.

The Braves starters are developing a poor habit of not going deep into ball games.  This Atlanta bullpen has done well but can’t keep up this grueling workload all season long.  If Atlanta wants to avoid another collapse in September, Fredi needs to receive more quality starts out of his rotation.  Any starter than can go seven plus innings deserves a game ball, regardless of outcome.

Julio Teheran will square off with AJ Cole, who is making his Major League debut, in tonight’s game at 7:10 PM ET.  Let’s hope our ace pitches a gem as the Atlanta Braves look to take a 2-0 series lead over the rival Nationals.