ChopAttack

2012 Braves Recap

I’ve had some time to decompress after the Braves depressing Wild Card game loss. In some ways the final game was a microcosm of the entire season. The Braves were a good team, but they were a team too capable of making boneheaded plays. It was part of the reason they lost 8 games in a row at one point of the season.

The other problem was the offense. Michael Bourn struggled in the second half, McCann was hurt, Uggla was lost, and the offense that started so brightly became one of the worst in the NL in the 2^nd half. With Medlen added to the rotation and the improvement of Minor the Braves pitching staff flipped the switch in the 2^nd half. In the end it wasn’t enough, but the Braves are in a position to be even better in 2013.

Priorities going into 2013

• Find a reliable RH power hitting bat. The Braves struggle against left-handed pitching and this problem must be resolved.  Losing Chipper hurts, but he was less of a factor at the end of the season. His body broke down.

• Don’t resign Michael Bourn. I really like Bourn. He’s outstanding center-fielder, but he’s also left-handed. I doubt the Braves will be able to find a perfect leadoff hitter, but Bourn strikes out too much to be a perfect leadoff hitter.

• Sign Prado long term. He’s the heart soul of the team. Tie him down. He’s also right-handed.

The 2013 Braves could be better if Minor continues to improve. The Braves are young and talented. Hopefully they’ll be less prone to mistakes next season.