Atlanta Braves Need to Build a Bigger Division Lead Quickly
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves need to take advantage of the Washington Nationals injury struggles and build a division lead. The Nationals boast a stacked roster, a roster that is injury plagued.
Looking at both the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals on paper it isn’t hard to see who has more proven talent. The Washington Nationals are division favorites and should be considering the talent on their roster.
If you are looking at potential or future the Atlanta Braves have a clear advantage. The Nationals, on the other hand, should be division favorites this year and are due to go on a tear when they finally are healthy.
For the Braves it is important to string wins together now while the Nationals are hurting. Their best chance at winning their division is to build a big lead while the Nationals still aren’t healthy.
Building a division lead quickly is important for a young team who isn’t built to come from behind. They are legitimate contenders but still not favorites in their own division.
Bryce Harper and great pitching are allowing the Nationals to stay within two or three games of the Braves. Imagine what the team can do when they are fully healthy and chasing the Braves.
Currently, the Phillies are closer to the Braves than the Nationals but they will begin to fade. The Phillies roster has some good pieces but not enough to keep pace with the Braves or the Nationals over the course of a full season.
For the Braves building, a division lead will start with offense first for their stacked lineup. While their pitching has been good of late their offense is their biggest weapon.
The Braves must string wins together and build a division lead while they can. The Washington Nationals are a sleeping giant one who will get healthy and wake up to chase the Braves. Until that happens the Braves must push their lead as far as they can.