Forget about this season Braves fans. A mere thirty games in the season, with 132 still to play, forget that the 2016 Braves ever happened.
The team’s 1-15 home record after Sunday’s extra inning loss to the Diamondbacks is the worst start at home since the 1913 Yankees started 0-16 at home. This disastrous start at home couldn’t have come at a worse time with it being the last season at beautiful Turner Field. A field that boasts 14 straight division titles in the left field seats is now home to the laughing stock of the MLB.
Much of the Braves’ struggles this year are very similar to past seasons. They’re dead last in batting average, runs and home runs. This poor hitting and inability to get runs across the plate is much to the dismay of a pitching staff.
But let’s not act like we didn’t see this coming with management completely clearing the roster of every glimmer of hope other than first baseman Freddie Freeman. They’ve even resigned Jeff Francoeur in a poor attempt to get the city excited about this lowly team.
So please, forget about the 2016 Braves because better days are ahead.
The young pitching staff has shown promise lately with Julio Teheran and Matt Wisler. Wisler’s given up 0 ER in two of his last three starts while Teheran has only given up two total in his last three starts.
The farm system you’ve been hearing about for years may finally be coming around and be ready to make an impact in the big leagues in a few years.
After being selected first overall in the 2015 draft Dansby Swanson has been moving up the minor league ranks fast. He is already playing AA ball with the Mississippi Braves and hitting .310 (no one on the major league roster is above .300 and Markakis is the only close on at .294) he’s show a lot of promise early on. He was able to post a .300 mark during spring training. While he may not make it to the MLB this season, look for Swanson to make an impact at shortstop for years to come in Atlanta.
Aaron Blair began the season with a 3-0 record in AAA for the Gwinnett Braves. He has since been called up to the majors for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old righty is 0-2 in three starts so far giving up six earned runs. Although it isn’t quite the start he’s hoped for, there’s no doubt Blair can find himself a comfortable spot in the starting rotation in the near future.
Only 329 until opening day in Suntrust Park.
