The Atlanta Braves may not have had a great record, but they managed to entertain this year.
Crazy headline right? How could a team that is going to finish so far -.500 entertain? The Atlanta Braves showed the world that the rebuild is not only real, but working. After years of tanking, and beloved players being traded away for prospects the future has arrived.
This season alone, the Braves organization went all in on Dansby Swanson as the franchise shortstop (even though it took a minute). One of the most talked about prospects in Ozzie Albies made his way up to the main roster, and boy did he impress. We were introduced to future pitchers in Lucas Sims, Max Fried, and Sean Newcomb. Finally, an ace emerged for the Braves in Mike Foltynewicz.
Atlanta had a city ready to implode with energy and excitement in their first series back from the All Star Break when they swept the current National League Wild Card leading Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Braves hung in their with the best of them, and while they faulted to teams that they shouldn’t have, and yes I mean the Philadelphia Phillies, they still were in conversation for the playoffs in the second half of the season.
Did anyone seriously think that would happen? With so much young talent, and so many veterans on this roster they came together and created something magical for the inaugural season at SunTrust Park. Honestly, and they laid the foundation for what will be the return to prominence for this organization.
I’m not a delusional Braves fan sitting here typing my heart out, and I by no means believe this team was better than the record says, but can anyone really say they weren’t entertained?
It wasn’t too long ago that the Braves were out of games in the first few innings, and this season while they blew so many games and saves, yes I mean Jim Johnson, they were in it until the end. The game of baseball is one that is cruel and unfair at times, but the Braves took the field for 162 games this season and they sure as hell came close to winning a majority of them.
With the offseason comes uncertainty, and moves that are bound to be made. As it’s been stated before the Braves are going to keep all options on the table this offseason, and don’t be surprised if they sign a big name or two.
Next: Who takes the Phillies last rotation slot?
Spring Training 2018 is going to be a must-see event for Braves Country, and I for one cannot wait to take 285 come March 2018 and see the bright lights of SunTrust Park.