Atlanta Braves Could Become Surprise Team of 2018
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are off to a 9-6 start and are starting to appear to be legitimate contenders in the 2018 season. Could the Braves maintain their great start through the season?
Even the most diehard Atlanta Braves fan would tell you that expectations were low for the 2018 season. After another long year in 2017, the target date to return to contention in the National League has moved yet again.
Through the first fifteen games, it isn’t hard to see the Braves are vastly improved. From their attitude to the talent on the field, the Braves are better.
The question for the Braves is if they can maintain the fast start or if it is simply a mirage that will fade in time?
Answering that question is difficult without going out on a limb. The Braves have looked fantastic early making fans wonder if this is finally the season they return to the postseason.
The answer sadly is no, the Braves will not return to postseason play just yet. What they will do is continue to play better baseball hovering around .500 and showing potential free agents why they should come to Atlanta.
Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman will keep the offense clicking and be supporting questionable pitching. With questions surrounding both Mike Foltynewicz and Julio Teheran, the Braves offense may have to continue and carry the team.
Teheran showed signs of life in his recent start with 6.0 innings pitched giving up only a single run. A much-needed performance to help reassure the Braves that Teheran is still capable of pitching to the level he has in the past.
Folynewicz meanwhile has gotten off to a nice start this season. A start that has made him the Braves most consistent pitcher through the first fifteen games. But with his past struggles, there is a reason to wonder if he can maintain the solid start.
The Braves would love to see that trend continue, however, as they wait for their treasure trove of young arms to finally deliver at the Major League level.
2018 is going to be a much better season for the Braves. One that will be spent learning how to win and learning who plays into the Braves long-term plays. Postseason play will not be in the cards for the Braves in 2018. But it will be an entertaining season, one where the Braves remain on the cusp of returning to relevance.