Braves Win Total Prediction
The once-proud Braves brought up the rear in the NL East a year ago. But will an infusion of steady veterans, specifically on the pitching side, help Dansby Swanson & Co. turn it around this summer?
Handicappers at online sports book Bovada.lv anticipate a sliver of improvement from last season’s 68-win campaign, setting Atlanta’s victory over/under victory total at 71. Unfortunately, Brian Snitker’s troops must deal with a loaded division. The Nationals, Mets, and Marlins all plan to factor into the playoff race, while the Phillies continue to restock their cupboard.
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Judging from the manner in which the Braves concluded 2016, though, optimism should be in ample supply at brand-new SunTrust Park. Atlanta went 37-35 following the All-Star break, benefiting from a terrific renaissance by first baseman Freddie Freeman and a rock-solid relief corps. Interim manager Snitker even acquitted himself so well that he was promoted to a full-time role.
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Finally free of wrist trouble, Freeman’s a near lock to eclipse 30 homers and 90 RBIs again. His primary sidekick in the heart of the order: former MVP runner-up Matt Kemp, who posted an .855 OPS after arriving from San Diego. Nonetheless, the wild card in the equation is Swanson. Last August, the No. 1 overall draft pick of 2015 made his MLB debut. He wasted no time terrorizing hurlers, either, batting .302 with three dingers and 17 runs batted in in 145 plate appearances. If the Vanderbilt product can consistently inflict damage in his first full season as a regular, you’re looking at a deceptively dangerous offense.
In all likelihood, though, the Braves’ success will hinge on the arms. The ageless Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey signed affordable deals during the winter. Meanwhile, talented but injury-prone lefty Jaime Garcia came over from St. Louis in a trade. Julio Teheran, of course, remains the tone-setter. He’s aiming to record 30-plus starts for a fifth straight campaign.
On most nights, Teheran and his rotation mates won’t mind handing the ball to a lights-out duo at the back end of the bullpen. Mauricio Cabrera’s a holds monster in waiting, while Jim Johnson oozes steadiness in the closer’s spot. Still, Atlanta’s probably a year or two away from creating serious issues for the rest of the senior circuit. We just don’t envision Cobb County’s finest flirting with the mid-70s in terms of triumphs.
2017 MLB WIN TOTAL PREDICTION: ATLANTA BRAVES UNDER 73.5 WINS