I don't even know how to talk about the Braves at this point, because I'm not sure if they're supposed to be classified as 'good' or bad'. Yes, they're far behind the Nationals, and are in the three-team deadlock for second in the NL East, but they still have people like Freddie Freeman and Ender Inciarte, playing really well, and they have finally developed something nice in Mike Foltynewicz. So I have no idea how to talk about them.
I mean, Folty, R.A. Dickey and Julio Teheran are making up this modest little brigade at the top of the rotation, despite the fact that there really isn't a back half. And while Dansby Swanson and Adonis Garcia have underwhelmed again, and as Matt Kemp has landed on the DL, the surprisingly adept roster depth has been saving them, thanks to a nice rookie season from Johan Camargo, some amazing bench work from Kurt Suzuki, and the emerging rookie talent of Ozzie Albies, which will hopefully improve over time.
The main core of the lineup isn't a problem, still, though. Freeman and Inciarte, as well as Matt Adams, Nick Markakis, Brandon Phillips and Tyler Flowers, have all been sharp, bringing momentum to a team that never should have had it in the first place, despite not all being terribly young.
This is a team that might be able to do something great soon if they build off this season. It's unlikely that this 2017 is gonna lead to anything immediately, and it's also unlikely that a majority of the older additions will still be here when the eventual playoff run happens, but some pieces are in place, and the Braves need to stick with them.
Coming Tonight: In 2014, his team came from the depths of third to make the World Series. CAN...THEY...DO IT AGAIN?
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