*I typed this up before the Braves series with the Marlins. Some of the information and or thoughts maybe a couple of days old. I just wanted to try something new. *
Braves need to get more offense out of the bottom of the order. The Braves can not continue to rely on Acuna/Ozzie/Fredrick to carry them. Starting pitching has been dominant as of late. Smyly has won five straight games and posted a 1.98 ERA after starting the year with a 5.82 ERA. As a whole, the Braves rotation has posted a 3.49ERA over their last 21 games. Our starting pitching is over that stretch, which is the only reason we are still even in the mix for the NL East. That and the fact the NL east is trash.
The Braves have a three-game set with the Marlins before the all-star break. *If they sweep the Marlins, which they have only done once this season against the Nationals back in May (4th, 5th, 6th). It would put them over .500 for the first time this season. The Braves are one of three teams that have not been above .500 all season. The other two teams are the Marlins 38-47 and Rangers 34-53. I do not see them sweeping the Marlins, nor do I see them above .500 before the all-star break. I wish they would be, but...
Unless the Braves do something, they haven't in 86 games which is over half the season. I don't see them winning the division or winning the playoffs. I know that this is a hard pill to swallow since all Braves fans had high expectations for this season. I was hoping to win the NL East for the 4th season. I knew that the bullpen would not be as good as they were over the past two seasons. Also, I know that we have had a few critical injuries to d'Arnaud, Soroka, Ynoa (on his own accord), and whatever is happening with Ozuna.
I think the two weeks coming out of the all-star break will be the determining factor for the Braves this season. With series against the Rays, Padres, Phillies, Mets (five games), and Brewers. With no off-day until 8/2. This will determine to me at least if the Braves will be buyers or sellers at the tradeline at the end of July.
I have seen rumors about an Aarron judge trade, which to me makes no sense at all. Regardless of how good he is now, he is going to get injured in a few days. He is just too injury-prone, and I would not want to waste some "potential" prospects on him. Speaking of prospects and trades, Alex A has shown he is not willing to part/let go of any of them away for anything. So the thought of him putting all his chips in on trade seems doubtful to me. I think we will end up hearing that Td'A will be our best pickup when he is back at the end of August, which no one wants to hear.
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