MLB: Unexpected Contenders for the 2017 Season
By Matt Meffe
Atlanta Braves
There are many reasons the Atlanta Braves finished with the second-worst record in the National League last season. The Braves had trouble all around, from offense, to pitching, to their bullpen. It was an uphill battle all season for the Braves, which eventually led to a last place NL East finish. Julio Teheran was the starting rotation’s only saving grace. Arodys Vizcaino was the bullpen’s only shining light. Freddie Freeman led the offensive production. Other than that, it was incredibly difficult to find any other positives.
Late last season, the Braves claimed Josh Collmenter off waivers from Arizona. In the offseason, the Braves went out and acquired some more veterans to try and balance the team. Atlanta signed Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey to one-year deals, Sean Rodriguez to a two-year deal, and acquired Jaime Garcia from the Cardinals. These moves give Atlanta a revised rotation to work with Julio Teheran, and a super utility player in Rodriguez who can be moved throughout the field.
The Braves also signed many non-roster invitees that can also be used in 2017, including former Braves Eric O’Flaherty, Jordan Walden, and Emilio Bonifacio. While these moves seem insignificant, they can be enough to at least make Atlanta’s first season at SunTrust Park somewhat memorable.