Atlanta Braves can enter new-year with optimism - MLB Update
As the new-year begins, Atlanta Braves can feel satisfied about what they have done so far and what the future holds for them.
In many ways, the 2013 season appears to be the beginning for the club toward achieving heights of success ahead.
It is because they have developed such a roster, which hosts quality players; those that can ensure remarkable success in the upcoming season.
As was the case in the 2011 season, they no longer have a rotation which is prone to meltdowns.
What Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen achieved during the last season for Atlanta is an indication of a strong rotation in the making.
Besides, another starting pitcher for the Braves, Tim Hudson is expected to perform better than the last year during 2013, as he has recovered fully from his injury.
As far as the offence is concerned, the Braves have generally been good in this department.
While retirement of third baseman, Chipper Jones will affect them to some extent, they appear to have players to replace him.
They recently signed free agent, B.J. Upton in order to fill a spot on the roster left vacant by the absence of their outfielder, Michael Bourn.
The latter had refused to accept qualifying offer made by the club, as he tested free agency.
Catcher for Atlanta, Brian McCann, who struggled in the last season due to issues with his shoulder, is recovering fast. Once he rehabilitates completely, he can become as dangerous as he was in the past.
That means his excellent shows ahead can mitigate the impact of the retirement of Jones.
Even when Jones used to play, he was touted as the most plausible successor of him by the experts. However, with time, that perception changed because McCann was unable to perform consistently.
As for the bullpen, the Braves boast one of the best arms in the Eastern Division. As was seen in 2012, on a number of occasions, their relievers produced wins for the starters from difficult situations.
For example, their starter Hudson owes a number of his wins last year to the excellent shows from relievers late in the innings.
Against the backdrop of an existence of established players on the roster of Atlanta, it is easy to believe that they will give tough time to the oppositions ahead in the season.
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