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Atlanta Braves: 5 New Braves Putting Out in 2017 at Memorial Day Weekend

By W. M. Lawson

May 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) (third from left) reacts with team mates after delivering the game winning hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) (third from left) reacts with team mates after delivering the game winning hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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With their robust reclamation and reconstruction project in full swing, the Atlanta Braves needed new faces and additions to contribute in 2017. These five players have done just that.

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May 25, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) reacts after giving up five runs after finishing the top of the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 was not going to be a secret for the Atlanta Braves. Meaning, not many thought Atlanta would contend for a division title. It was common consensus that, for the Braves to even be competitive (read: .500), they would need Freddie Freeman to ball out and stay healthy (yes and no), pitching would have to improve (uhh, no), and the bats would have to pick up (some days).

There were other things, too. It was hoped that Dansby Swanson would improve and settle in. It was hoped that Kemp, Inciarte, and Markakis could continue their late 2016 surge. There were hopes, and prayers, that veteran pitchers brought in could “eat innings” and solidify a shaky mound.

Very of few of those things have actually happened. But here we are at the Memorial Day weekend and the Braves are competitive and fun to watch. The following five surprises, in no particular order, are a big reason why Atlanta is in contention, and why fans are excited this far into the season.

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