MLB: Four Teams Primed for Sneaky Good Seasons in 2017

Atlanta Braves

It’s difficult not to improve upon a 68-93 record, but the Atlanta Braves have their sights set on more than out-dueling their previous season’s record. Atlanta acted first this offseason with a couple of starting pitching signings. Veterans R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon look to improve an inexperienced Braves rotation. The Braves are certainly hoping Dickey and Colon will shed some wisdom upon their young arms, but most importantly, they are hoping they can contribute in the win column.

Overview

To say it modestly, Dickey’s knuckleball is what is it. Some days it’s unhittable, some days its unwatchable. One thing is for sure, Dickey is durable and he will pitch for as long as a manager allows him to. 43-year-old Bartolo Colon continues to get the job done. He pitched to a very impressive 3.43 ERA in 2016 and posted 15 wins. He also exceeded the 190-inning mark for the fourth consecutive season. Colon is a true model of consistency, and he’ll provide the Braves a no-stress option.

Don’t forget about the trade for Jaime Garcia. Garcia is slotted at number five in the preseason rotation. Injuries have halted Garcia’s success; however, spotty dominant performances from 2016 provide the Braves hope that he can regain his original form. He is certainly worth a number-five rotation spot.

Atlanta’s offense will improve at the will of phenom Dansby Swanson. Swanson slashed .302/.361/.442 in his introduction to the show. He is a pure hitter with the potential to be a perennial All-Star and the talent to post 200-hit season after 200-hit season. Swanson’s influence will be key to the team this year, but maybe not as key as the influence of Matt Kemp. Kemp had a revived 2016. He drove in 108 runners and crushed 35 homers. Kemp slugged .519 in 56 games with Atlanta. If the Braves want to be taken seriously this season, Kemp must play the role of the cleanup hitter. He must play protector to Freddie Freeman. A potential Swanson, Freeman, Kemp two-through-four in the lineup could be lethal.

Realistic Result

A third place finish in the NL East would be a success for Atlanta. Clearly, they do not have the pitching to compete with the staffs of Washington and New York, but they can certainly surpass Miami and Philadelphia. Third place, along with a .500 season, would be a major upswing for the Atlanta Braves.