The All-Star Break looms only three days away.
Teams are assessing their standing for the second half and eagerly awaiting their opportunity for redemption (or, for some teams, more of the same) in the second half.
One team that is probably having difficulties doing the former is the Atlanta Braves.
The Braves are sitting at a decent 43-44, only (used in context here) five games back of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Braves have gotten what they paid for with their off-season money: very consistent starting pitching.
They have also, however, gotten what they didn't pay for, as they have fielded one of the most inconsistent offenses in the league.
In this article, I will asses the three major facets of the team (pitching, relief pitching, and hitting) and give my predictions/expectations for the second half of the season.<!-- my page break -->
Pitching
Staff (start of the season/now)
Derek Lowe/Derek Lowe
Jair Jurrjens/Jair Jurrjens
Javier Vazquez/Javier Vazquez(not on DL yet)
Kenshin Kawakami/Kenshin Kawakami
Jo-Jo Reyes/Tommy Hanson
Key Spot-Starter Throughout: Kris Medlen
The Braves have been one of the best in the league when it comes to starting pitching consistency, having a very respectable 3.84 team ERA (good for fifth best in the Majors).
With Jair Jurrjens sporting a sub-three ERA and Javier Vazquez third in the league in strikeouts, these two (despite their losing records) have anchored the Braves' staff.
Tommy Hanson has been as good as a trade deadline acquisition, posting a 2.85 ERA in 41 innings pitched.
Kenshin Kawakami and Derek Lowe have each hit their respective rough patches, but have been more than good enough with the rest of the staff doing what they've been doing.
Grade: A
Look for more of the same from the front five.
They have given no indication of letting up and have all proved to be very durable (knock on wood) starters, nearly eliminating the concern for injury.<!-- my page break -->
Bullpen
Core (start of the season/now)
LRP Jeff Bennett/Kris Medlen
LHMRP Eric O'Flaherty/Eric O'Flaherty
RHMRP Peter Moylan/Peter Moylan
SU Rafael Soriano/Mike Gonzalez
CL Mike Gonzalez/Rafael Soriano
Nice Additional Pieces: Manny Acosta, Boone Logan
No, this isn't everyone that has come out of the 'pen this season, but these have been the most frequently used.
O'Flaherty has been a very nice surprise when called upon, posting a very nice 3.45 ERA in 45 games this season as he has gradually transitioned into the role of a pure reliever from his original LOOGY duties.
The three-headed monster of Moylan-Gonzalez-Soriano (all of whom appear as if they are going to kill you when thy take the mound) has been more than effective when given normal rest (after all, all three are less than two seasons removed from major arm surgeries).
Although Soriano's dominance has been the most noticed (that's how he became closer-no matter what anyone may say, Soriano IS the closer now), all three of these guys have the stuff to be a ninth-inning stopper.
Grade: B+
Once again, more of the same can be expected from this group.
As the previously mentioned three-headed monster improves it's arm strength, they should only become more effective.<!-- my page break -->
Offense
Line-up (roughly at the start/roughly now when healthy)
1 Kelly Johnson/Nate McLouth
2 Yunel Escobar/Martin Prado
3 Chipper Jones/Chipper Jones
4 Brian McCann/Brian McCann
5 Garret Anderson/Yunel Escobar
6 Jeff Francoeur/Garret Anderson
7 Casey Kotchman/Matt Diaz/Ryan Church
8 Jordan Schafer/Casey Kotchman
Key Men Off Bench: Gregor Blanco, Matt Diaz, Omar Infante
As all Braves fans know, this is the reason the Braves are two games under .500.
Even though they rank near the middle of the pack in almost all offensive categories (which should be good enough with the staff the way it is), spotty performances have paralyzed the Braves' chances thus far at the divisional lead.
Through McCann's eye issues, Anderson's calf, Infante's hand (his versatility may have been the biggest loss), and Chipper's annual injuries, the Braves' offense has had few opportunities to display their full potential.
However, even when they've all gone to battle together, this offense still doesn't hit 'em far enough.
In order for this team to be in the running for any kind of crown (be it divisional or Wild Card), trades need to be made (Francoeur is probably the first of many).
Grade: C
When they've been on, they've been phenomenal.
Most of the time, though, two or three runs is all they can muster.
Hope for improvement, but don't expect it with these guys.<!-- my page break -->
Expectations & Predictions...
Overall Grade (right now): B
This team has what you need to win with good pitching and defense.
It does, however, need some more help with the stick.
Expect a move to be made with pieces like Todd Redmond, Jo*gag*Jo Reyes, Gregor Blanco, Cody and Kelly Johnson, and others in the same class of player.
Guys like Mark Teahen, Josh Willingham, Jermaine Dye, and Luke Scott are attractive possibilities.
Projected Final NL East Standings
1 Atlanta Braves (86-76)
2 Philadelphia Phillies (84-78)
3 Florida Marlins (83-79)
4 New York Mets (80-82)
5 Washington Nationals (52-110)
*this is saying the Braves get a big bat, and the rest of the division filling small holes*
Once again, the Braves have the pieces you WANT when you're competing for a division.
I've said before that I feel they're only one piece away, and if that piece (a BIG outfield bat) is acquired, this team will be hard to beat.
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