Didn't want to clog up the playoff thread with Braves talk now that they are out of it so I figured we could do it here.
I think Tommy is right in that Atlanta over achieved this year and we as fans changed our expectations based on that. Given the injuries and overall youth of the team, 97 wins was a fine season.
Did anyone expect a rotation of Medlen, Minor, Teheran, Wood and Maholm to end the year? I surely didn't. The youth and talent of this staff bodes well for the future. The oldest is Medlen at 28. The best closer in baseball is only 25.
Offensively they were a little too big hit dominant. They couldn't manufacture runs well at all. If BJ can play at just his career averages, he'll make a heck of a difference at the top of the order. I don't expect McCann back so it will be interesting to see how the offense of Gattis in affected by catching 140 games. Freeman and Simmons will become perennial all stars who will anchor this club for many years to come.
If not for the resurgence of Pittsburgh, Fredi would be the runaway manager of the year IMO. He did a fantastic job considering all the injuries and below average years.
I really don't see a pressing need that Wren would have to address in the off season. We'll see.
I think Tommy is right in that Atlanta over achieved this year and we as fans changed our expectations based on that. Given the injuries and overall youth of the team, 97 wins was a fine season.
Did anyone expect a rotation of Medlen, Minor, Teheran, Wood and Maholm to end the year? I surely didn't. The youth and talent of this staff bodes well for the future. The oldest is Medlen at 28. The best closer in baseball is only 25.
Offensively they were a little too big hit dominant. They couldn't manufacture runs well at all. If BJ can play at just his career averages, he'll make a heck of a difference at the top of the order. I don't expect McCann back so it will be interesting to see how the offense of Gattis in affected by catching 140 games. Freeman and Simmons will become perennial all stars who will anchor this club for many years to come.
If not for the resurgence of Pittsburgh, Fredi would be the runaway manager of the year IMO. He did a fantastic job considering all the injuries and below average years.
I really don't see a pressing need that Wren would have to address in the off season. We'll see.