In the first season without long-time manager Bobby Cox, the Braves have jumped to a 43-33 start, 4.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. Yet again the story for the Atlanta Braves this season has been injuries and outstanding pitching. But, the Braves are just about back to their Opening Day Lineup, missing LF Martin Prado, who brings a terrific ability to hit for average, and make the big play in the outfield. But, the bigger story this season has been the amazing pitching from inside and out of the bullpen.
After being hurt the first few weeks of the season, Jair Jurrjens, has been nothing less than perfect. With a 2.11 ERA, Jair leads the National League in ERA. Second behind him is Tommy Hanson, also another pitcher from the Braves with an ERA of 2.48. But, the biggest surprise for most people has been the performance of the Braves' setup pitcher Jonny Venters. Venters to most people's surprise has been the most reliable relief pitcher this season, with an ERA of 0.57.
Now, the injuries of the 2011. The Braves have caught the injury bug this season, but conveniently they have great depth in the dugout, and also the bullpen. The DL has been busy this season, but has lead to the Braves finding great potential in some young players. If Nate McLouth hadn't gotten hurt, the average Braves fan wouldn't have recognized the great potential of CF Jordan Schafer. Who is batting .231 and leading the team in stolen bases with, 9.
What is to expect for the Braves after the all-star break? With Martin Prado back in the lineup, the Braves are faced with a difficult decision regarding the starting Center Fielder. With that in mind, the Braves also begin to get back some players from the DL, like reliever Peter Moylan, and possibly a return from Kris Medlan coming back from Tommy John surgery last season. As for the post-season, I see the Braves finishing 2nd in the NL East, and receiving the NL Wild Card, and playing the World Series Champions, San Francisco Giants in the NLDS.
As for next season, I don't expect Chipper Jones, or Derek Lowe to return to the Braves. So my prediction for the starting lineup to be.
1. Jordan Schafer 8
2. Martin Prado 5
3. Jason Heyward 9
4. Brian McCann 2
5. Dan Uggla 4
6. Freddie Freeman 3
7. Alex Gonzalez 6
8. Nate McLouth 7
9. Pitcher
DH Eric Hinske, Brooks Conrad, David Ross, Joe Mather.
And my 5-man rotation for next year.
1. Jair Jurrjens
2. Tommy Hanson
3. Tim Hudson
4. Brandon Beachy
5. Mike Minor
SU Jonny Venters
SU Eric O'Flaherty
CL Craig Kimbrel
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