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

By W. M. Lawson | May 27, 2017

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.

4. 2nd Base- Brandon Phillips

brandon phillips

May 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) is forced out at second base by Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) in the first inning during a game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

The Brandon Phillips acquisition this off-season was one of the few reasons I called my brother excited about a move the Atlanta Front Office had made. At the time, I wrote this:

"That stuff you can find anywhere, if you research. But only folks who know baseball know that Brandon Phillips is a ball player. He is tenacious, unyielding, and aggressive. He’s a 3 time All-Star, has 4 Gold Gloves, and is a member of the 30-30 club. And now he has come home. This Redan Raider will help the Braves in 2017."

Phillips has been injured some already, and continues to battle a quad strain. But when he is out there, he is a vacuum at 2nd and a tenacious menace at the plate. Dude is hitting .308 in 146 AB, has 3 HR, 15 RBI, AND 7 STOLEN BASES AT 35 YEARS OLD! The Stone Mountain legend is playing like it, and finally, for the home team.