Atlanta Braves: Five Reasons They Can Be Surprise Contenders
By Kit Anderson
- Improve the Bench
The biggest weakness on the Braves team is the lack of power or any hitting skill from a bench that is carrying two catchers and three infielders that are expected to back up all outfield positions. Jace Peterson is a decent bench piece and has shown that he is capable of starting but aside from a backup catcher and Jace the bench is in a need of a lot of help.
Ryan Howard was recently signed to a minor league deal and could soon provide a power threat off the bench though it will not solve the Braves lack of a legitimate outfielder to back up all three positions. Adding an outfielder and Howard to the bench are two improvements that are very much needed to help the Braves chances.
Emilio Bonifacio is a name on the Braves bench that may need to be sent back to the minors or removed from the team altogether. Bonifacio at this point in his career is a glorified pinch runner on a team that is not aggressive on the bases. It is time to move Bonifacio back to the minors and add a legitimate hitting option to the team.