Atlanta Braves Five Reasons They Can Compete in 2018
By Kit Anderson
1. Dansby Swanson Must Maintain Early Production
Dansby Swanson has surged early in 2018 hitting .366 with a homer and 8 runs driven in. That is the player that Dansby has to be for the Braves to continue their early success.
He has given consistent at-bats all season long showing improved plate vision that is evident from his .366 average.
Swanson hitting at the rate he in the bottom third of the order is a huge boost for the offense turning the lineup over faster.
Dansby has 15 hits so far this season and has scored 5 runs, impressive for a 6th place hitter. The only concern for Swanson is the fact that he seems to strike out or put the ball in playing only earning one walk on the season while striking out 8 times.
Overall, however, Swanson has looked great in 2018 and will have to continue to stay productive at the plate if the Braves want to find continued success.
Swanson is facing questions this season as to whether or not he is truly the shortstop of the Braves future. If he can continue to produce at the pace he is at early on this season not only will all those questions be answered but the Braves will have a much better chance to remain relevant in the 2018 season.